Question

An elderly client is admitted to the hospital with bronchitis. The client's family asks the nurse why their family member is so sick when others are not in the same way. The nurse teaches the family that:

a) Age-related immune changes make the elderly more susceptible to infections.

b) Bronchitis is a hereditary condition.

c) Environmental factors play a minimal role in bronchitis.

d) Only the elderly are prone to respiratory infections.

Answer 1

Age-related immune changes make the elderly more susceptible to infections such as bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs that can follow a cold or flu.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why an elderly client may be more susceptible to illnesses such as bronchitis compared to others is primarily due to age-related immune changes. As people age, their immune system generally becomes less effective, leaving them more vulnerable to infections. This is why the correct response to the family's question would be that age-related immune changes make the elderly more susceptible to infections. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs, can lead to symptoms like a productive cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. While acute bronchitis often follows a cold or flu and is temporary, chronic bronchitis, which is part of COPD, is a long-term condition often exacerbated by smoking and environmental factors.