The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old patient. The nurse knows that changes in cardiac structure and function occur in older adults. What is a normal change expected in the aging heart of an older adult?
A) Decreased left ventricular ejection time
B) Decreased connective tissue in the SA and AV nodes and bundle branches
C) Thinning and flaccidity of the cardiac values
D) Widening of the aorta
Ans: D
Feedback:
Changes in cardiac structure and function are clearly observable in the aging heart. Aging results in decreased elasticity and widening of the aorta, thickening and rigidity of the cardiac valves, increased connective tissue in the SA and AV nodes and bundle branches, and an increased left ventricular ejection time (prolonged systole).
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