A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is 80 years old.The nurse notes that the client has low levels of iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of this finding?

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 isD.

Decreased perspiration.This is because the sweat glands become less active with aging, resulting in reduced sweating and dryness of the skin.Decreased perspiration can also affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and may cause heat intolerance.

Choice A is wrong becauseincreased skin vascularityis not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system.In fact, the blood vessels in the skin become thinner and less elastic, resulting in decreased perfusion and a paler skin tone.

Choice B is wrong becausedecreased skin fragilityis not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system.On the contrary, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to splitting, cracking, and infections due to reduced collagen and elastin production, decreased mitosis in the epidermis, and lowered immunity.

Choice C is wrong becauseincreased sebaceous gland activityis not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system.Rather, the sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which contributes to the dryness and loss of moisture in the skin.

Normal ranges for some of the parameters related to the integumentary system are:.

• Skin thickness: varies depending on body location, but generally ranges from 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

• Skin elasticity: measured by the Cutometer device, which uses negative pressure to lift the skin and calculate its elasticity.

A higher value indicates more elastic skin.The average elasticity value for young adults is 0.82, while for older adults it is 0.57.

• Skin moisture: measured by the Corneometer device, which uses electrical capacitance to assess the hydration level of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin).

A higher value indicates more hydrated skin.The average moisture value for young adults is 62.8, while for older adults it is 51.3.

• Perspiration: measured by the Evaporimeter device, which uses a humidity sensor to detect the amount of water vapor lost from the skin surface.

A higher value indicates more perspiration.The average perspiration value for young adults is 13.9 g/m2/h, while for older adults it is 9.8 g/m2/h.