The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who has been admitted with pneumonia.
The nurse knows that elderly patients are at increased risk for respiratory infections because of which of the following factors?
(Select all that apply.).
Decreased immune response
Decreased chest wall compliance
Decreased alveolar surface area.
Decreased oxygen saturation.
Decreased bronchial dilation.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
The correct answer is A, B and C.
These are the factors that increase the risk of respiratory infections in elderly patients:.
• Decreased immune response: Elderly patients have a weaker immune system that makes them more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. They also have a poor response to respiratory vaccines.
• Decreased chest wall compliance: Elderly patients have reduced elasticity of the lungs and chest wall, which makes it harder for them to breathe and expel mucus.
• Decreased alveolar surface area: Elderly patients have fewer and larger alveoli, which reduces the gas exchange area and oxygen diffusion capacity.
Choice D is wrong because decreased oxygen saturation is not a risk factor, but a consequence of respiratory infections.
Choice E is wrong because decreased bronchial dilation is not a specific factor for elderly patients, but a common feature of obstructive lung diseases.
Normal ranges for oxygen saturation are 95-100% and for bronchial dilation are variable depending on the type and severity of the disease.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer isB.
Loss of muscle mass and strength.Sarcopenia is a condition that affects older adults and causes a progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function.This can lead to an increased risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality.
Choice A is wrong because the loss of bone mass and strength is calledosteoporosis, not sarcopenia.Osteoporosis is a condition that affects the density and quality of bones, making them more prone to fracture.
Choice C is wrong because loss of joint flexibility and range of motion is calledarthritis, not sarcopenia.
Arthritis is a term that refers to inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Choice D is wrong because loss of skin elasticity and moisture is calledskin aging, not sarcopenia.
Skin aging is a process that involves changes in the structure and function of the skin, such as wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and decreased wound healing.
Normal ranges for muscle mass and strength vary depending on age, sex, body size, and physical activity level.However, some general indicators of sarcopenia include:.
• A muscle mass index (muscle mass divided by height squared) below 7.26 kg/m2 for men and 5.45 kg/m2 for women.
• A handgrip strength below 30 kg for men and 20 kg for women.
• A gait speed below 0.8 m/s for both sexes.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer isA, B, C and D.
These are all factors that can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adult clients.
A. Decreased immune system function with aging.This can make older adults more susceptible to infections and less able to fight them off.
B. Lack of knowledge or awareness about STIs.
Older adults may not have received adequate education or information about STIs, their symptoms, prevention and treatment.They may also have misconceptions or stigma about STIs that prevent them from seeking help or testing.
C. Reduced use of condoms or other barrier methods.
Older adults may not perceive themselves as at risk of STIs or may not know how to use condoms correctly or consistently.They may also face barriers such as cost, availability, embarrassment or partner resistance to using condoms.
D. Increased number of sexual partners or casual encounters.
Older adults may have more opportunities for sexual activity due to factors such as divorce, widowhood, online dating, travel or retirement.They may also engage in sexual behaviors that expose them to multiple or unknown partners, such as sex work, drug use or group sex.
Choice E is wrong becauseincreased vaginal dryness or atrophy with menopauseis not a risk factor for STIs in older adult clients.
While this condition can cause discomfort, pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse, it does not increase the likelihood of acquiring or transmitting an STI.However, it may affect the quality of life and sexual satisfaction of older women and their partners, and may require medical attention or lubrication products.
: Johnson BK.
Sexually transmitted infections and older adults.J Gerontol Nurs 2013;39(11):53-60.: World Health Organization (WHO).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).2022 Aug 22.: Journal of Gerontological Nursing (JGN).
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Older Adults.
2013 Sep 18.
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