A nurse is instructing a newly licensed nurse about age-related changes to vision in older adult patients.
Which of the following should the nurse include as an example of an expected age-related change?

Choice A rationale
Chronic stress is a prolonged, often overwhelming feeling of stress that can negatively impact a person’s daily life. It can be caused by various factors, including high-pressure jobs, challenging relationships, and living in poverty. Living in poverty is a long-term situation that can cause chronic stress due to the constant worry about meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This continuous worry and fear can lead to chronic stress.
Choice B rationale
A motor vehicle accident is typically an acute stress event. While it can cause significant stress at the moment, it is usually not a long-term stressor unless it results in severe injury or trauma that significantly impacts a person’s daily life.
Choice C rationale
Being a victim of a crime can indeed cause stress, but it is typically considered an acute stress event. However, if the crime results in long-term effects such as physical harm or psychological trauma, it could potentially lead to chronic stress.
Choice D rationale
The loss of a loved one can cause both acute and chronic stress. The initial loss can cause acute stress, and the subsequent grieving process can lead to chronic stress, especially if the individual has difficulty moving through the stages of grief. However, not everyone who loses a loved one will experience chronic stress.

Choice A rationale
While the thickness of the tympanic membranes can indeed change with age, it typically increases rather than decreases. Thickening of the tympanic membranes can contribute to hearing loss by reducing the ability of the ear to transmit sound vibrations.
Choice B rationale
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is not typically decreased in older adults. In fact, tinnitus is often more common in older individuals and can be a sign of age-related hearing loss.
Choice C rationale
A decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds is a common physiological change associated with aging. This is often one of the first signs of age-related hearing loss.
Choice D rationale
Decreased ear wax is not typically associated with aging. In fact, some older adults may produce more ear wax, which can contribute to hearing problems if it becomes impacted.