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Physiological Changes Style Questions

NCLEX-style questions on age-related physiologic changes: skin, heart, lungs, GI, neuro, senses & more. Includes causes, symptoms, treatments & nursing care—ideal for board exam prep.

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    Integumentary System 1. An 80-year-old patient presents with dry, flaky skin. What age-related change in the- integumentary system is most likely responsible? Answer: Decreased sebaceous and sweat gland function. 2. A nurse is assessing an older adult's skin. Which finding is most likely due to decreased- vascularity of the dermis? Answer: Increased palor in white skin. 3. A patient with senile lentigo is concerned about the brown spots on their skin. What- should the nurse explain about these Lesions? Answer: They a r e a common age-related change due to increased localized pigmentation. 4. An older adult is at increased risk for pressure ulcers due to which age-related change? Answer: Decreased thickness of the epidermis and decreased subcutaneous fat. 5. An older adult reports experiencing frequent episodes of itching. What nursing- intervention is appropriate to address this concern? Answer: Modify skin care to reduce drying and refer to a dermatologist if necessary. 6. Which of the following is a common type of inflammation seen in older adults? Answer: Rosacea. 7. An older adult is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of shingles. What is the most- likely causative agent?

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    Answer: Varicella-zoster virus. 8. What is the primary reason for an older adult r s increased risk of hypothermia? Answer: Decreased subcutaneous tissue, reducing their ability to regulate body temperature. Musculoskeletal System 9. A patient with osteoporosis is at increased risk for which type of fracture? Answer: Vertebral fracture. 10. What is the most common medication category used to treat osteoporosis? Answer: Antiresorptive medications. 11. An older adult complainsof pain and stiffness intheirjoints, particularly after rest. What- condition is most likely responsible? Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis. 12. What is the primary cause of osteoarthritis? Answer: The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include age, obesity, joint injury, and genetics. 13. Whatis a Heberden's node? Answer: A bony enlargement on the distal finger joint, often associated with osteoarthritis. 14. What is the primary treatment goal for rheumatoid arthritis? Answer: To reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and maintain independence. 15. What is the most common symptom of bursitis? Answer: Joint stiffness and pain. 16. What dietary recommendations are appropriate for a patient with gouty arthritis? Answer: Reduce body weight and decrease intake of alcohol and purine-rich foods. Respiratory System 17. What age-related change in the respiratory system contributes to a decreased ability to- humidify air?

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    Answer: Decreased body fluids. 18. An older adult is at increased risk for respiratory infections due to which age-related- change? Answer: Decreased number of macrophages. 19. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address an olderadult's decreased- ability to breathe deeply? Answer: Encourage incentive spirometer use. 20. What is the primary characteristic of emphysema? Answer: Changes in alveolar structure, leading to overinflation and ineffective gas exchange. 21. What is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis? Answer: Chronic irritation, often due to smoking or environmental pollutants. 22. What is the primary mode of transmission for tuberculosis? Answer: Airborne droplets. 23. What is the most common risk factor for lung cancer? Answer 1, obaccu smoke. Cardiovascular System 24. What age-related change in the cardiovascular system contributes to decreased tissue- oxygenation? Answer: Decreased cardiac muscle tone. 25. What is the most common symptom of coronary artery disease in older adults? Answer: Chest pain, but it may also present as vague gastrointestinal discomfort or shortness of- breath. 26. What is the primary cause of heart block? Answer: Disruption of the electrical conduction system of the heart, often due to fibrotic tissue- infiltration or myocardial infarction. 27. What is the most common type of conduction disorder seen in older adults? Answer: Sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome.

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    28. What is the primary cause of heart failure in older adults? Answer: Ineffective pumping action of the heart. 29. What is the most common symptom of varicose veins? Answer: Twisting discoloration in the superficial veins of the lower extremities. 30. What is the primary risk factor for developing aneurysms? Answer: Arteriosclerotic blood vessel changes. 31. What is the most common location for aneurysms in older adults? Answer: Abdominal aorta. 32. Whatis the most serious complication of an aneurysm? Answer: Rupture, leading to massive hemorrhage. Gastrointestinal System 33. What age-related change in the gastrointestinal system contributes to decreased- nutritional status? Answer: l n c r e a s e d dental caries and tooth loss, leading to decreased ability to chew normally. 34. What is the most common cause of esophageal reflux in older adults? Answer: Decreased sphincter muscle tone, particularly the lower esophageal sphincter. 35. What is the most common cause of peptic ulcers? Answer: Helicobacter pylori infection. 36. What is the primary treatment goal for peptic ulcers in older adults? Answer: Medical treatment, such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, is generally preferred over- surgical correction. 37. What is the most common symptom of diverticulitis? Answer: Abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever and rectal bleeding. 38. Whatis the primary treatment goal for diverticulitis? Answer: Rest the diseased area with intravenous fluids and restrict oral food intake. 39. What is the most common symptom of hemorrhoids?

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