Question 1

Which theory of aging explains apoptosis of the ovary?
A)Immunosenescence theory
B)Telomere shortening theory
C)Programmed aging of the cell
D)Damaged-based theory of aging

Accepted Answer

The theory that explains apoptosis of the ovary is the "Programmed aging of the cell" theory. This theory suggests that aging is a result of programmed cell death or apoptosis, which is a process that is inherently built into the life cycle of cells, including those in the ovary.

Question 2

Which statement by the spouse of an older adult client causes the nurse to suspect Pick's disease in the client?
A)"My partner frequently eats paper products."
B)"My partner has short-term memory loss."
C)"My partner has tremors and difficulty walking."
D)"My partner tells me she sees dead relatives daily."

Accepted Answer

Pick's disease, a form of frontotemporal dementia, can lead to changes in behavior and personality, including unusual oral habits like eating non-food items (pica). This symptom is distinct from those commonly associated with other neurological conditions mentioned in the other options.

Question 3

While reviewing the case file of an older adult client, the nurse finds the client's vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is untreated. Which physiological change in the nervous system does the nurse suspect to cause gait instability and paresthesia in the client? A)Degeneration of neurons B)Lack of acetylcholine in the hippocampus lobe C)Abnormalities in the basal ganglia of the midbrain D)Demyelination of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to demyelination of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, which affects the transmission of sensory information, potentially causing gait instability and paresthesia.

Question 4

The nurse reviews the tests performed on an older adult's gastrointestinal system. Which condition does the nurse associate with the presence of flattened villi of the intestine?
A)Pain in the lower quadrant of the abdomen
B)Indigestion, gas accumulation, and diarrhea
C)Changes in the composition of the intestinal flora
D)Decreased transport of nutrients into the bloodstream

Accepted Answer

Flattened villi in the intestine impair the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients effectively, leading to decreased transport of nutrients into the bloodstream.

Question 5

In which manner does the nurse describe the role of multicausality in the immune function of an older adult client?
A)It refers to the decreased ability of a cell to repair damage.
B)It refers to the progressive loss of a cell's ability to replicate over time.
C)It refers to the combination of internal processes and environmental influences.
D)It refers to the weakening of both the innate and adaptive immune system with increasing age.

Accepted Answer

Multicausality in the context of immune function, especially in older adults, encompasses the idea that multiple factors—both internal physiological processes and external environmental influences—contribute to changes in immune function. This concept recognizes that the immune system's performance is not solely determined by one's genetics or age but is also significantly affected by lifestyle, exposure to pathogens, nutrition, stress, and other environmental factors.

Question 6

The nurse is assessing an older adult client whose family members are concerned about the loss of social skills coupled with crude language and sexual acting out. The client's spouse states, "He is acting just like his father did." Which probable diagnosis does the nurse recognize?
A)Vascular dementia
B)Parkinson's disease
C)Alzheimer's disease
D)Frontotemporal dementia

Accepted Answer

Frontotemporal dementia often presents with changes in social behavior and personality, including loss of social skills, inappropriate language, and sexual acting out, distinguishing it from other forms of dementia that primarily affect memory first.

Question 7

The nurse observes an older client with dementia exhibiting antisocial behavior and loss of social skills. Which therapy is the nurse most likely to find in the client's prescription?
A)Antidepressants
B)Antipsychotic drugs
C)Antiplatelet drugs
D)Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse observes an older client with...

Question 8

An older adult client is being assessed by the nurse. The client states, "I seem to get sicker more often. I was a robust and healthy person for many years." In which manner does the nurse explain the theory of immunosenescence and aging?
A)Natural killer cells become sparse and less effective.
B)T lymphocytes have a decreased ability to recognize and attack antigens.
C)B lymphocytes become more effective in producing antibodies to antigens.
D)Immunizations are vital to boost the immune system and promote health.

Accepted Answer

The answer of An older adult client is being assessed...

Question 9

The x-ray of an older adult client shows kyphosis with collapse of the intervertebral discs. Which changes does the nurse anticipate in this client?
A)Increased stiffness of the chest wall
B)Decreased strength of respiratory muscles
C)Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest
D)Less oxygen diffusion into the pulmonary capillaries

Accepted Answer

The answer of The x-ray of an older adult client...

Question 10

An older adult client reports frequent constipation to a nurse. Which age-related change in the gastrointestinal system does the nurse identify as the cause?
A)Stomach lining atrophies
B)Diminished amount of lactase enzyme
C)Loss of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter
D)Denervation in the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract

Accepted Answer

Denervation in the distal portion of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to decreased bowel motility, contributing to constipation in older adults.

Question 11

Which heart tissues are more prone to connective tissue infiltration in older adult clients? Select all that apply.
A)Aorta
B)Carotid artery
C)Bundle of His
D)Sinoatrial node
E)Atrioventricular node

Accepted Answer

The Bundle of His, Sinoatrial node, and Atrioventricular node are more prone to connective tissue infiltration in older adults, which can affect the heart's electrical conduction system, potentially leading to arrhythmias.

Question 12

The nurse is reviewing the factors that diminish the ability to mount a febrile response in older adult clients with staff nurses. Which statement made by a nurse indicates the need for additional review?
A)"Decreased vasodilation reduces the ability to cause fever."
B)"Decreased subcutaneous fat reduces the ability to cause fever."
C)"Decreased ability to raise blood pressure reduces the ability to cause fever."
D)"Decreased responsiveness of the hypothalamus reduces the ability to cause fever."

Accepted Answer

The statement "Decreased ability to raise blood pressure reduces the ability to cause fever" indicates a need for additional review because the ability to raise blood pressure is not directly related to the mechanism of fever production. Fever is primarily regulated by the hypothalamus in response to pyrogens, and factors like decreased vasodilation, decreased subcutaneous fat, and decreased responsiveness of the hypothalamus are more directly related to the diminished ability to mount a febrile response in older adults.

Question 13

The nurse is performing a routine assessment for an older adult client in an assisted living setting. The client's blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate are within normal range, but the client seems unusually disoriented. Which prescription is the nurse most likely to expect to be prescribed?
A)White blood cell (WBC) count
B)Chest x-ray study
C)Pain level assessment
D)Temperature monitoring

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is performing a routine assessment...

Question 14

The nurse is reviewing the prescription of azithromycin for an older adult client with an infection. Which aspect of nursing knowledge causes the nurse to contact the prescribing health-care provider?
A)Macrolides do not concentrate well in older adult clients.
B)Acidic anti-infectives can reach higher levels than in young adults.
C)Culture and sensitivity testing needs to be performed.
D)Consideration is not given to the immunosuppression of the client.

Accepted Answer

Macrolides do not concentrate well in older adult clients, so the nurse needs to contact the prescribing health-care provider to discuss alternative medications.

Question 15

Which classes of medication are beneficial to manage the cognitive decline in a client with vascular dementia? Select all that apply.
A)Antipsychotics
B)Antidepressants
C)Antiplatelet medications
D)Antilipidemia medications
E)Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which classes of medication are beneficial to...

Question 16

While reviewing the medical history of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notices the client has impaired renal function. Which prescribed medication for the client does the nurse expect to be replaced?
A)Aspirin
B)Metformin
C)Insulin lispro
D)Anti-inflammatory

Accepted Answer

Metformin is contraindicated in patients with impaired renal function due to the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious complication. Therefore, it is often replaced or adjusted in patients with kidney issues.

Question 17

Which change in the integumentary system of older clients is responsible for difficulties in thermoregulation?
A)Loss of subcutaneous fat
B)Fewer sebaceous glands
C)Decreased function of melanocytes
D)Increased fragility of small blood vessels in the skin

Accepted Answer

Loss of subcutaneous fat in older clients contributes to difficulties in thermoregulation because this layer of fat acts as insulation, helping to maintain body temperature.

Question 18

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan reports of an older adult client show cerebral atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?
A)Pick's disease
B)Vascular dementia
C)Alzheimer's disease
D)Dementia with Lewy bodies

Accepted Answer

Pick's disease, also known as frontotemporal dementia, is characterized by atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

Question 19

The registered nurse is teaching a group of students about functional consequences of physiological aging on the cardiovascular system. Which statement made by a student nurse indicates the need for additional teaching?
A)"An increased risk of arrhythmias is due to changes in conductive tissues."
B)"The heart of an older client may have some degree of diastolic dysfunction."
C)"A higher response of baroreceptors in arterioles is seen with increasing age."
D)"A decreased ability of arteries to vasodilate is associated with free radical damage of cell membranes."

Accepted Answer

The statement "A higher response of baroreceptors in arterioles is seen with increasing age" indicates a need for additional teaching because, with aging, there is actually a decreased sensitivity of baroreceptors, not a higher response. This can affect blood pressure regulation and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.

Question 20

After reviewing the single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) report of a client who has dementia with Lewy bodies, the nurse anticipates delusional behavior in the client. In which area of the brain does the nurse observe hyperperfusion according to the SPECT?
A)Parietal region
B)Occipital region
C)Frontal cortex region
D)Cranial blood supply

Accepted Answer

The frontal cortex region is responsible for executive function, which is impaired in dementia with Lewy bodies. Hyperperfusion in this area may indicate increased activity due to compensatory mechanisms or neuroinflammation.

Quiz 45: Pathophysiologic Concepts of Aging

Which theory of aging explains apoptosis of the ovary?

Which statement by the spouse of an older adult client causes the nurse to suspect Pick's disease in the client?

While reviewing the case file of an older adult client, the nurse finds the client's vitamin B12 deficiency is untreated. Which physiological change in the nervous system does the nurse suspect to cause gait instability and paresthesia in the client?

The nurse reviews the tests performed on an older adult's gastrointestinal system. Which condition does the nurse associate with the presence of flattened villi of the intestine?

In which manner does the nurse describe the role of multicausality in the immune function of an older adult client?

The nurse is assessing an older adult client whose family members are concerned about the loss of social skills coupled with crude language and sexual acting out. The client's spouse states, "He is acting just like his father did." Which probable diagnosis does the nurse recognize?

The nurse observes an older client with dementia exhibiting antisocial behavior and loss of social skills. Which therapy is the nurse most likely to find in the client's prescription?

An older adult client is being assessed by the nurse. The client states, "I seem to get sicker more often. I was a robust and healthy person for many years." In which manner does the nurse explain the theory of immunosenescence and aging?

The x-ray of an older adult client shows kyphosis with collapse of the intervertebral discs. Which changes does the nurse anticipate in this client?

An older adult client reports frequent constipation to a nurse. Which age-related change in the gastrointestinal system does the nurse identify as the cause?

Which heart tissues are more prone to connective tissue infiltration in older adult clients? Select all that apply.

The nurse is reviewing the factors that diminish the ability to mount a febrile response in older adult clients with staff nurses. Which statement made by a nurse indicates the need for additional review?

The nurse is performing a routine assessment for an older adult client in an assisted living setting. The client's blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate are within normal range, but the client seems unusually disoriented. Which prescription is the nurse most likely to expect to be prescribed?

The nurse is reviewing the prescription of azithromycin for an older adult client with an infection. Which aspect of nursing knowledge causes the nurse to contact the prescribing health-care provider?

Which classes of medication are beneficial to manage the cognitive decline in a client with vascular dementia? Select all that apply.

While reviewing the medical history of a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notices the client has impaired renal function. Which prescribed medication for the client does the nurse expect to be replaced?

Which change in the integumentary system of older clients is responsible for difficulties in thermoregulation?

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan reports of an older adult client show cerebral atrophy in the frontal and temporal lobes. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?

The registered nurse is teaching a group of students about functional consequences of physiological aging on the cardiovascular system. Which statement made by a student nurse indicates the need for additional teaching?

After reviewing the single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) report of a client who has dementia with Lewy bodies, the nurse anticipates delusional behavior in the client. In which area of the brain does the nurse observe hyperperfusion according to the SPECT?

While reviewing the case file of an older adult client, the nurse finds the client's vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is untreated. Which physiological change in the nervous system does the nurse suspect to cause gait instability and paresthesia in the client?