ATI Learning System Gerontology Practice Quiz w/rationales | 2023 | Questions with 100% Correct Answers | Updated & Verified | 35 Pages

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has pneumonia. Which of the following physiologic changes associated with aging places the client at a greater risk for pneumonia? A. Decreased anterior-posterior diameter B. Increased diameter of the small airways C. Decreased number of cilia D. Increased alveolar surface area - C. Decreased number of cilia Decreased anterior-posterior diameterA physiologic change associated with aging is a calcification of the bronchial and costal (rib) cartilage and diminished chest wall compliance, leading to an increase in the anterior-posterior diameter. The resultant reduced total lung capacity puts the client at increased risk for hypoxemia. Increased diameter of the small airwaysA physiologic change associated with aging is a decreased diameter of the small airways. However, the diameter of the large airways does increase with age, and these two factors combined can lead to an increase in dead space, gas trapping, and ventilation-perfusion imbalance. Decreased number of ciliaMY ANSWERA physiologic change associated with aging is a decreased number of cilia. This, along with a less effective cough, leads to diminished efficiencyof the normal defense mechanisms for clearing the airway, putting the client at increased risk for infection, such as pneumonia. Increased alveolar surface areaA physiologic change associated with aging is an increase in the size of the alveolar ducts and respiratory bronchioles, leading to a decrease in the alveolar surface area. Consequently, there is less surface area for gas exchange to occur, putting the client at an increased risk for hypoxemia. A nurse us contributing to the plan of care for a client who had a recent stroke and a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For which of the following disorders should the nurse plan to monitor this client? A. Duodenal ulcer disease B. Aspiration pneumonia C. Viral pneumonia D. Esophageal varices