Fundamentals of Gerontology – Aging Changes Across Body
Systems (NCLEX Focused)|Complete Verified Questions
Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What are the common changes associated with aging?
Loss of work role/interactions with coworkers related to retirement.
Loss of loved ones.
Loss of independence.
Financial constraints.
Increased risk of social isolation, depression, and suicide.
What are the changes in the respiratory system associated with aging?
Decreased lung capacity/elasticity and weaker respiratory muscles.
Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter.
Decreased cough reflex.
Increased risk of respiratory infections and abnormal breathing patterns.
What are the changes in the cardiovascular system associated with aging?
Decreased heart muscle efficiency and strength causing decreased cardiac output.
Incomplete valve closure causing increased risk of murmurs.
Stiffening/calcification of blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis.
Increase systolic blood pressure and increased risk of orthostatic hypotension.
What are the changes in the nervous system associated with aging?
Cerebral atrophy and decreased cerebral blood flow.
Decreased reflexes and delayed reaction time.
, Decreased senses.
Decrease quality/quantity of sleep.
Increased risk for chronic pain.
Dementia is not an expected part of aging.
What are the changes in the musculoskeletal system associated with aging?
Decreased bone density causing increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Increased risk for falls.
Muscle atrophy
Stiffening of joints
Kyphosis
What are the changes in the endocrine system associated with aging?
Decreased thyroid gland activity causing decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Decreased insulin release and tissue sensitivity causing increased blood glucose and risk for
diabetes.
What are the changes in the gastrointestinal system associated with aging?
Increased fatty tissue in abdomen.
Decreased salivation/mastication and weak gag reflex.
Decreased appetite and taste sensation.
Decreased thirst mechanism.
Decrease gastric emptying rate and bowel motility.
What are the changes in the renal system associated with aging?
Systems (NCLEX Focused)|Complete Verified Questions
Provided with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What are the common changes associated with aging?
Loss of work role/interactions with coworkers related to retirement.
Loss of loved ones.
Loss of independence.
Financial constraints.
Increased risk of social isolation, depression, and suicide.
What are the changes in the respiratory system associated with aging?
Decreased lung capacity/elasticity and weaker respiratory muscles.
Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter.
Decreased cough reflex.
Increased risk of respiratory infections and abnormal breathing patterns.
What are the changes in the cardiovascular system associated with aging?
Decreased heart muscle efficiency and strength causing decreased cardiac output.
Incomplete valve closure causing increased risk of murmurs.
Stiffening/calcification of blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis.
Increase systolic blood pressure and increased risk of orthostatic hypotension.
What are the changes in the nervous system associated with aging?
Cerebral atrophy and decreased cerebral blood flow.
Decreased reflexes and delayed reaction time.
, Decreased senses.
Decrease quality/quantity of sleep.
Increased risk for chronic pain.
Dementia is not an expected part of aging.
What are the changes in the musculoskeletal system associated with aging?
Decreased bone density causing increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Increased risk for falls.
Muscle atrophy
Stiffening of joints
Kyphosis
What are the changes in the endocrine system associated with aging?
Decreased thyroid gland activity causing decreased basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Decreased insulin release and tissue sensitivity causing increased blood glucose and risk for
diabetes.
What are the changes in the gastrointestinal system associated with aging?
Increased fatty tissue in abdomen.
Decreased salivation/mastication and weak gag reflex.
Decreased appetite and taste sensation.
Decreased thirst mechanism.
Decrease gastric emptying rate and bowel motility.
What are the changes in the renal system associated with aging?
