A 68-year-old patient tells the nurse that he does not understand why he has been experiencing more colds over the last several years. The nurse realizes the most likely reason for experiencing more illness is that:
1. There is a decrease in the number and function of T cells.
2. There is a faster response by the B cells.
3. There is a decrease in complement.
4. The flu vaccine does not work as well in the elderly.
There is a decrease in the number and function of T cells.
Rationale: The decline in T cell number and function with aging results in greater susceptibility to infection. The B cells have a slower response as a person ages. There is no evidence to suggest a change in the amount or function of complement. There is no evidence to suggest that the flu vaccine does not work well in the elderly.
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