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Physiological Changes with Aging

Aging is a natural process that involves gradual changes in the structure and function of different body systems. These changes vary from person to person depending on genetic factors, lifestyle factors, environmental factors and disease processes. Some of the normal physiological changes with aging in different body systems are:

Integumentary System

  • Increased skin dryness, pallor and fragility
  • Decreased vascularity of blood vessels
  • Progressive wrinkling of the skin
  • Decreased perspiration due to decreased sebaceous gland activity
  • Thinning and graying of the scalp, pubic and axillary hair
  • Slower nail growth , decreased calcium, increased thickening with ridges
  • Brown age spots (lentigo senilis) on exposed body parts

Questions on Physiological Changes with Aging

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>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&rsquo;s ability to regulate its temperature and may cause heat intolerance.</p>

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

<p>These statements reflect the respiratory system changes that occur with aging, such as decreased respiratory muscle strength, decreased lung elasticity and recoil, decreased cough and gag reflexes, and decreased ciliary action and mucus production.</p>

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>This statement is based on the fact that dry skin is a common problem among older adults, especially in cold or dry weather.Applying moisturizer after bathing can help to lock in the moisture and prevent further water loss from the skin.</p>

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

<p>This is wrong because nails do not become smoother and shinier with age, but rather yellowed and opaque.</p>

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

<p>This is wrong because decreased calcification means reduced deposition of calcium in the tissues, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, calcification tends to increase with aging, especially in the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum.</p>

<p>This is wrong because decreased peripheral resistance is not related to the decreased contractile strength of the myocardium, but rather to the decreased elasticity and increased stiffness of the arterial walls that may occur with aging.</p>

<p>This is true because aging causes changes in the electrical system of the heart, which can result in arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, or sinus bradycardia.These can cause irregular heartbeats that may be felt as palpitations or skipped beats.</p>

<p>This is wrong because elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees during meals is not enough to prevent aspiration or regurgitation.The client should be sitting upright at 90 degrees or higher to facilitate swallowing and gravity.</p>

<p>This is wrong because reducing dairy consumption can further lower calcium intake.</p> <p>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 becom

<p>This 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.</p>

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