Respiratory and Cardiac Aging Changes: Gerontology

What three changes in the respiratory system of an older adult may lead to an increase of the work and effort that it takes to breathe efficiently?

• Increase in lung capacity, increase in lung elasticity, increase in respiratory muscles

• Increase in lung capacity, decrease in lung elasticity, increase in respiratory muscles

• No change in lung capacity, elasticity, or respiratory muscles

• Decrease in lung capacity, decrease in lung elasticity, decrease in respiratory muscles

Answer explanation

Correct choice is decrease in lung capacity, decrease in lung elasticity, decrease in respiratory muscles

In what way does cardiac output change for an older adult?

• Cardiac output decreases due to the increase in efficacy and strength of the cardiac muscles

• Cardiac output decreases due to the decrease in efficacy and strength of the cardiac muscles

• Cardiac output increases due to stronger heart muscles

• Cardiac output remains the same as in younger adults

Answer explanation

Cardiac output decreases in older adults due to the decrease in efficacy and strength of the cardiac muscles.

What leads to a higher incidence of murmurs in older adults?

• Valve blockage

• Valve opening

• Incomplete valve closure

• Complete valve closure

Answer explanation

Incomplete valve closure leads to a higher incidence of murmurs in older adults.

What is a common risk for older adults due to stiffening and calcification of vessels?

• Hypertension

• Hypotension

• Atherosclerosis

• Arrhythmia

Answer explanation

Stiffening and calcification of vessels increase the risk of atherosclerosis in older adults, making it a common concern due to the narrowing and hardening of arteries.

Which abnormal breathing pattern is more likely to be experienced by older adults?

• Apnea

• Tachypnea

• Bradypnea

• Dyspnea

Answer explanation

Older adults are more likely to experience dyspnea, which is difficulty breathing. Apnea is a temporary cessation of breathing, tachypnea is rapid breathing, and bradypnea is slow breathing.

What is a potential risk for older adults due to a decrease in cough reflex?

• Increased risk of bronchitis

• Increased risk of asthma

• Increased risk of pneumonia

• Increased risk of choking

Answer explanation

A decrease in cough reflex can lead to an increased risk of pneumonia in older adults due to the inability to effectively clear secretions from the lungs.

What is a common cardiovascular risk for older adults due to a decrease in heart muscle efficacy?

• Atherosclerosis

• Heart failure

• Myocardial infarction

• Atrial fibrillation

Answer explanation

Heart failure is a common cardiovascular risk for older adults due to a decrease in heart muscle efficacy.