A volunteer at the senior center asks the visiting nurse why the senior citizens always seem to be complaining about the temperature. What is the nurse's best response?
a. Older people have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature because of active sweat glands.
b. Older people have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature because of increased circulation.
c. Older people have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature because of peripheral vasoconstriction.
d. Older people have a diminished ability to regulate body temperature because of slower metabolic rates.
ANS: D
Slower metabolic rates are one factor that reduces the ability of older adults to regulate temperature and be comfortable when there are any temperature changes. As the body ages, the sweat glands decrease in number and efficiency. Older adults have reduced circulation. The body conserves heat through peripheral vasoconstriction, and older adults have a decreased vasoconstrictive response, which impacts ability to respond to temperature changes.
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