BocEastern Suffolk Boces Adult Education Center Geriatric exam pn111
BocEastern Suffolk Boces Adult Education Center Geriatric exam pn111 ( 49 Questions)
A 78-year-old client has received a recent diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. Findings on a recent chest x-ray have prompted the health care provider to order a bronchoscopy and lung function tests. Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect a pathological process rather than a normal, age-related respiratory change?
Maximum breathing and vital capacity have diminished since the previous studies.This finding suggests a decline in lung function compared to previous assessments, which could indicate a pathological process rather than normal age-related changes. Diminished breathing capacity may be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory disorders.
Accumulation of serous fluid is seen between the lungs and the pleural membrane.The accumulation of serous fluid between the lungs and the pleural membrane is consistent with pleural effusion, which is a pathological condition rather than a normal age-related change. Pleural effusion can occur due to various causes, including infection, inflammation, heart failure, or malignancy.
The lungs are smaller than younger adults' and there are fewer alveoli.
This option describes normal age-related changes in the respiratory system. With aging, the lungs may undergo structural changes such as decreased elasticity and fewer alveoli, leading to reduced lung capacity and efficiency. While this finding is typical of aging, it does not necessarily indicate a pathological process.
The client has fewer cilia than would be found in a younger client.A reduction in cilia is associated with aging and is considered a normal age-related change. Cilia are hair-like structures in the respiratory tract that help remove mucus and debris. While decreased ciliary function may contribute to respiratory infections in older adults, it is not necessarily indicative of a specific pathological process.
A. Maximum breathing and vital capacity have diminished since the previous studies.
This finding suggests a decline in lung function compared to previous assessments, which could indicate a pathological process rather than normal age-related changes. Diminished breathing capacity may be indicative of conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory disorders.
B. Accumulation of serous fluid is seen between the lungs and the pleural membrane.
The accumulation of serous fluid between the lungs and the pleural membrane is consistent with pleural effusion, which is a pathological condition rather than a normal age-related change. Pleural effusion can occur due to various causes, including infection, inflammation, heart failure, or malignancy.
C. The lungs are smaller than younger adults' and there are fewer alveoli.
This option describes normal age-related changes in the respiratory system. With aging, the lungs may undergo structural changes such as decreased elasticity and fewer alveoli, leading to reduced lung capacity and efficiency. While this finding is typical of aging, it does not necessarily indicate a pathological process.
D. The client has fewer cilia than would be found in a younger client.
A reduction in cilia is associated with aging and is considered a normal age-related change. Cilia are hair-like structures in the respiratory tract that help remove mucus and debris. While decreased ciliary function may contribute to respiratory infections in older adults, it is not necessarily indicative of a specific pathological process.