A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about physiological changes in the digestive system that occur with aging. The nurse should include that older adults might experience which of the following physiological changes?

Choice A reason: Aluminum-containing antacids are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea.

Choice B reason: Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea because magnesium can act as an osmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestines and increasing peristalsis.

Choice C reason: While antibiotics can disrupt the gut flora and potentially cause diarrhea, they are not the best
answer when compared to magnesium-containing antacids specifically known for this side effect.

Choice D reason: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics typically reduce gastrointestinal motility, which would more likely lead to constipation instead of diarrhea.

Choice E reason: Opioid narcotics are known to cause constipation due to reduced gut motility, not diarrhea

Choice A reason: While it is important to save the specimen in a clean container, this is not a preparatory action for
obtaining the specimen.

Choice B reason: Rinsing the client's mouth before collecting the specimen is the correct answer because it helps to remove food particles and bacteria that could contaminate the sample.

Choice C reason: Collecting a sputum specimen after a meal is not recommended as it may be contaminated by food particles.

Choice D reason: The time of day is less important than the preparation of the client; however, early morning is usually preferred for collecting a sputum specimen as it tends to be more concentrated after a night's rest.