A nurse is educating an older adult client about the changes in hair and nails that occur with aging. Which of the following statements should the nurse expect the client to make?

The correct answer is C.

Decreased liver function.Older adults are at increased risk for adverse drug reactions due to various physiological changes that affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs.One of these changes is the reduction in liver blood flow, size, drug-metabolizing enzyme content and function.This can result in slower or decreased metabolism of drugs, leading to higher plasma concentrations and increased risk of toxicity.

Choice A is wrong because older adults have decreased renal clearance, not increased.This means that drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys may accumulate in the body and cause adverse effects.

Choice B is wrong because older adults have decreased plasma protein levels, not increased.This means that drugs that are bound to plasma proteins may have higher free fractions and increased pharmacological effects.

Choice D is wrong because older adults have increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, not decreased.This means that drugs that cross the blood-brain barrier may have enhanced central nervous system effects in older adults.

Normal ranges for liver function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but some common values are:.

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 7-55 U/L.

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 8-48 U/L.

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 45-115 U/L.

• Total bilirubin: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL.

• Albumin: 3.5-5 g/dL.

The correct answer is A.

“I need to eat more foods that are rich in these nutrients.” This statement indicates that the client understands that low levels of iron, calcium and vitamin B12 can be caused by inadequate dietary intake of these nutrients.Iron, calcium and vitamin B12 are mainly found in animal-based foods, such as meat, eggs, milk and cheese.A diet lacking in these foods can lead to vitamin deficiency anemia, which is a condition where the body produces fewer and larger red blood cells that cannot carry enough oxygen.

Choice B is wrong because supplements may not be necessary or sufficient to correct these deficiencies.

Supplements can also interact with other medications or have side effects.The client should consult with their healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Choice C is wrong because gastric acid inhibitors can actually worsen vitamin B12 deficiency.

Gastric acid inhibitors are medications that reduce the amount of stomach acid produced.However, stomach acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food and to help it bind to a protein called intrinsic factor, which is essential for its absorption in the intestines.

Therefore, taking gastric acid inhibitors can impair vitamin B12 absorption and lead to deficiency.

Choice D is wrong because reducing dairy consumption can further lower calcium intake.

Dairy products are a good source of calcium, which is a mineral that helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth.Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, which is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle.

Normal ranges for iron, calcium and vitamin B12 in the blood are:.

• Iron: 50 to 170 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) for men; 40 to 150 mcg/dL for women.

• Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

• Vitamin B12: 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).