The LPN is providing care for an 88-year-old patient. Which age-related assessment findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
a. Peripheral cyanosis due to reduced gas exchange
b. Weakened cough due to atrophied respiratory muscles
c. Increased nasal discharge due to increased number of cilia
d. Decreased gas exchange due to decreased number of alveoli
e. Large peak expiratory flow rate due to increased lung elasticity
f. Increased risk of respiratory infection due to decreased ciliary activity
ANS: B, D, F
Normal aging processes include weakened and atrophied respiratory muscles leading to a decreased cough reflex, reduced elasticity of the lung tissue, deteriorating cilia that increase risk of respiratory infection, decreased cough reflex, reduced efficacy of alveolar macrophages, which all lead to increased risk of respiratory infection, and reduced number of alveoli which decreased gas exchange. A. Cyanosis is not an expected finding. C. The number of cilia do not affect a nasal discharge. E. Peak expiratory flow rate will be decreased.
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