A 67-year-old male client comes to the clinic for an evaluation. When obtaining the client's history, a report of which finding would the nurse identify as a common age-related issue?

A. Spiritual care in line with the family's belief system: This option aligns with the principles of hospice care, which emphasize holistic support for both the patient and their family, including addressing spiritual needs. Therefore, this intervention is appropriate and should be included in hospice care.

B. Surgery to remove plaques from the client's cerebral arteries to prevent future strokes: This intervention contradicts the philosophy of hospice care, which prioritizes comfort and quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses rather than aggressive treatments aimed at prolonging life or preventing future complications. Therefore, this intervention would not be included in hospice care and indicates a need for further teaching.

C. Psychosocial support aimed at the family's response to their loved one's imminent death: Hospice care recognizes the significant impact of a terminal illness on the patient's family and provides psychosocial support to help them cope with their emotions and prepare for the patient's death. This intervention is consistent with hospice principles and should be included in the care plan.

D. A primary focus on the client's quality of life in the time until the client's death: This is a fundamental aspect of hospice care, which prioritizes the patient's comfort, dignity, and overall well-being during their remaining time. Therefore, this intervention is appropriate and aligns with hospice philosophy.

A. Maximum breathing and vital capacity have diminished since the previous studies.

This finding suggests a decline in lung function compared to previous assessments, which could indicate a pathological process rather than normal age-related changes. Diminished breathing capacity may be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory disorders.

B. Accumulation of serous fluid is seen between the lungs and the pleural membrane.

The accumulation of serous fluid between the lungs and the pleural membrane is consistent with pleural effusion, which is a pathological condition rather than a normal age-related change. Pleural effusion can occur due to various causes, including infection, inflammation, heart failure, or malignancy.

C. The lungs are smaller than younger adults' and there are fewer alveoli.

This option describes normal age-related changes in the respiratory system. With aging, the lungs may undergo structural changes such as decreased elasticity and fewer alveoli, leading to reduced lung capacity and efficiency. While this finding is typical of aging, it does not necessarily indicate a pathological process.

D. The client has fewer cilia than would be found in a younger client.

A reduction in cilia is associated with aging and is considered a normal age-related change. Cilia are hair-like structures in the respiratory tract that help remove mucus and debris. While decreased ciliary function may contribute to respiratory infections in older adults, it is not necessarily indicative of a specific pathological process.