A nurse is caring for an older adult client who reports feeling cold most of the time.
The nurse knows that this is most likely due to which of the following physiological changes with aging?
Decreased metabolic rate
Increased blood pressure
Increased sweat gland activity.
Decreased body fat.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is A.
Decreased metabolic rate. This is because the metabolic rate is the amount of energy that the body uses to maintain its functions, and it tends to decline with age due to various factors, such as loss of muscle mass, reduced activity, hormonal changes, and decreased thyroid function.
A lower metabolic rate means that the body produces less heat and therefore feels colder more easily.
Choice B is wrong because increased blood pressure is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and other factors.
Choice C is wrong because increased sweat gland activity is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a sign of hyperhidrosis, which is a condition that causes excessive sweating due to overactive sweat glands. Sweat glands actually decrease in number and function with age, which can impair thermoregulation and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Choice D is wrong because decreased body fat is not a normal physiological change with aging, but rather a result of malnutrition, illness, or other causes. Body fat actually tends to increase with age, especially in the abdominal region, due to hormonal changes, reduced physical activity, and lower metabolic rate.
Body fat can act as an insulator and help maintain body temperature.
Normal ranges for metabolic rate vary depending on age, sex, body size, activity level, and other factors.
A general estimate for resting metabolic rate (RMR) is 10 calories per kilogram of body weight per day for men and 9 calories per kilogram of body weight per day for women.
However, this may not reflect the actual metabolic rate of an individual, as it does not account for the effects of food intake, exercise, or environmental factors.
Therefore, it is better to measure metabolic rate using indirect calorimetry or other methods that can capture these variables.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Intention tremors and nystagmus.These are some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects the central nervous system and causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.Intention tremors are involuntary shaking movements that occur when a person tries to perform a precise action, such as reaching for an object or writing.Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements, often resulting in reduced vision and depth perception.
Choice A is wrong because muscle atrophy and fasciculations are more typical of motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which affect the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movements.
Choice C is wrong because flaccid paralysis and areflexia are signs of lower motor neuron lesions, which can be caused by spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve disorders, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because hyperactive reflexes and spasticity are signs of upper motor neuron lesions, which can be caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy.
Normal ranges for some of the symptoms mentioned are:.
• Intention tremors: none or minimal.
• Nystagmus: none or minimal.
• Muscle atrophy: none or minimal.
• Fasciculations: none or minimal.
• Flaccid paralysis: none or minimal.
• Areflexia: absent or reduced reflexes.
• Hyperactive reflexes: normal or slightly increased reflexes.
• Spasticity: normal or slightly increased muscle tone.
A. Muscle atrophy and fasciculations B.
Intention tremors and nystagmus C.
Flaccid paralysis and areflexia D.
Hyperactive reflexes and spasticity
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
Decreased mental status.Dehydration in elderly people can cause confusion, disorientation, or drowsiness due to the loss of water and electrolytes from the body.
These symptoms can affect the cognitive function and alertness of the client.Dehydration can also lead to complications such as kidney problems, electrolyte imbalances, or low blood pressure.
Choice A is wrong because increased skin turgor is not a sign of dehydration.
Skin turgor is the ability of the skin to return to its normal shape after being pinched or pulled.Dehydration causes decreased skin turgor, meaning the skin stays tented or wrinkled after being pinched.
Choice B is wrong because decreased pulse rate is not a sign of dehydration.Dehydration causes increased pulse rate, as the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the vital organs when there is less fluid in the body.
Choice C is wrong because increased urine output is not a sign of dehydration.Dehydration causes decreased urine output, as the kidneys try to conserve water and produce more concentrated urine.
The urine may also be darker in color than normal.
Normal ranges for fluid intake and output vary depending on age, weight, activity level, and health status.
However, a general guideline is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day and produce at least 30 mL of urine per hour.
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