Physiological Changes with Aging
Physiological Changes with Aging ( 10 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the chest x-ray of an older adult client. Which of the following findings is a normal age-related change in the thorax?
This is a normal age-related change in the thorax that results from changes in the bones and muscles of the chest and spine. The ribcage becomes less flexible and more rounded, which increases the front-to-back dimension of the chest.
This is wrong because decreased kyphosis means reduced curvature of the spine, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, kyphosis tends to increase with aging due to osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures.
This is wrong because increased lung expansion means greater ability to fill the lungs with air, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, lung expansion tends to decrease with aging due to loss of elasticity and shape of the air sacs (alveoli) and weakening of the respiratory muscles.
This is wrong because decreased calcification means reduced deposition of calcium in the tissues, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, calcification tends to increase with aging, especially in the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum.
The correct answer is A.
Increased anteroposterior diameter.
This is a normal age-related change in the thorax that results from changes in the bones and muscles of the chest and spine. The ribcage becomes less flexible and more rounded, which increases the front-to-back dimension of the chest.
This can affect the lung function and breathing capacity of older adults.
Choice B is wrong because decreased kyphosis means reduced curvature of the spine, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, kyphosis tends to increase with aging due to osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures.
Choice C is wrong because increased lung expansion means greater ability to fill the lungs with air, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, lung expansion tends to decrease with aging due to loss of elasticity and shape of the air sacs (alveoli) and weakening of the respiratory muscles.
Choice D is wrong because decreased calcification means reduced deposition of calcium in the tissues, which is not a normal age-related change. In fact, calcification tends to increase with aging, especially in the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum.
This can make the chest wall more rigid and less compliant.
Normal ranges for anteroposterior diameter vary depending on age, sex, height and weight, but generally it should be less than the transverse diameter (the side-to-side dimension of the chest).
A ratio of anteroposterior to transverse diameter greater than 0.9 is considered abnormal and may indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).