ATI Learning System Gerontology
practice quiz w/rationales already
passed
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has pneumonia. Which of the following
physiologic changes associated with aging places the cli
...
ATI Learning System Gerontology
practice quiz w/rationales already
passed
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 efficiency
of 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 ✔✔B. Aspiration pneumonia
Duodenal ulcer diseaseThe acidity of stomach contents that reflux back into the esophagus
results in an inflamed esophagus, not duodenum, which is a section of the small intestine. With
duodenal ulcer disease, there are ulcers in the duodenum, usually associated with stress, COPD,
pancreatic disease, and chronic renal failure.
Aspiration pneumonia- results in reflux of gastric secretions from the stomach into the lower
esophagus. When regurgitation occurs, the client is at high risk for pneumonia. Pneumonia
occurs due to aspiration of gastric contents into the airway. This client is at increased risk for
dysphagia due to the stroke and history of GERD; therefore, the nurse should monitor closely for
aspiration pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia- The cause of viral pneumonia is an inhaled virus that settles in the lungs.
GERD does not increase the risk of viral pneumonia.
Esophageal varices occur in clients who have portal hypertension, usually due to hepatic
cirrhosis.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client. W
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