Question

The nurse is assessing the lungs of an older adult. Which of these describes normal changes in the respiratory system of the older adult?

A) Severe dyspnea is experienced on exertion resulting from changes in the lungs.
B) Respiratory muscle strength increases to compensate for a decreased vital capacity.
C) There is a decrease in small airway closure, leading to problems with atelectasis.
D) The lungs are less elastic and distensible, which decreases their ability to collapse and recoil.

Answer 1

D) The lungs are less elastic and distensible, which decreases their ability to collapse and recoil.The normal change in the respiratory system of an older adult is that the lungs become less elastic and distensible, decreasing their ability to collapse and recoil.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question "Which of these describes normal changes in the respiratory system of the older adult?" is D) The lungs are less elastic and distensible, which decreases their ability to collapse and recoil.Normal aging changes in the respiratory system include a decline in the elasticity of the lung tissue, leading to less elastic and distensible lungs. This causes a decrease in lung compliance, making it harder for the lungs to recoil after inhalation and leading to a reduced vital capacity.

In addition, as lung tissue becomes stiffer and airways may collapse more readily upon exhalation, air can become trapped in the lungs, contributing to the difficulty in breathing. While resistance to airflow can increase with conditions such as asthma or emphysema, increased lung resistance is not a normal age-related change.The normal changes in the respiratory system of an older adult include a decrease in lung elasticity and distensibility. This decreases the lungs' ability to collapse and recoil.