Question

Which age-related change on the excretory system is it most important for a physician to understand? Multiple Choice

a. The glomerular nitration rate decreases.
b. Drugs are cleared less efficiently with age, so drugs remain in circulation longer.
c. Responsiveness to ADH increases in the elderly.
d. The size of the kidneys and the number of functioning nephrons decrease

Answer 1

The most important age-related change on the excretory system is the decrease in kidney size and functioning.

Therefore the correct answer is option d. The size of the kidneys and the number of functioning nephrons decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important age-related change on the excretory system that a physician should understand is option d: The size of the kidneys and the number of functioning nephrons decrease.

As people age, their kidneys tend to shrink, and they lose nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from the blood.

This decrease in kidney size and functioning can impact the excretion of drugs, waste products, and the maintenance of electrolyte balance, leading to potential complications and changes in drug clearance.