Question

Which assessment finding related to the pulmonary function of an 89-year-old man who has come to the clinic for his annual checkup, would the nurse interpret as reflecting a notmal age-related change? a. an increase in functional alveoli b. reduction of residual volume c. a decrease in vital capacity d. blood gases that show mild acidosis

Short answer

c. a decrease in vital capacity

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each option

Evaluate each answer choice to understand which reflects normal age-related changes in pulmonary function.

Understanding normal age-related changes

Normal age-related pulmonary changes include a decrease in the elasticity of the lungs and chest wall, leading to a decrease in vital capacity and an increase in residual volume.

Assess option a

An increase in functional alveoli is not a normal age-related change; typically, the number of functional alveoli decreases with age.

Assess option b

A reduction of residual volume is not a normal age-related change; residual volume commonly increases with age.

Assess option c

A decrease in vital capacity is a normal age-related change due to reduced elasticity in the lungs and thoracic cage.

Assess option d

Blood gases showing mild acidosis can be seen in various conditions, but this is not a specific normal age-related change in pulmonary function.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the correct option that reflects a normal age-related change in pulmonary function is a decrease in vital capacity.

Key concepts

vital capacity decrease

As we age, our bodies go through many changes, and our lungs are no exception. One critical change is a decrease in vital capacity. Vital capacity refers to the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking a deep breath.
With aging, the muscles that help with breathing weaken. This makes it harder to take deep breaths. Additionally, the structure of the lungs may change, resulting in less space for air.

• Aging muscles become weaker
• Lung structure changes
• Less room for air

This can decrease the efficiency of breathing, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood.

elasticity reduction in lungs

Another key change in the respiratory system as we age is the reduction in lung elasticity. The lungs become less flexible over time, which makes it harder for them to expand and contract.
This elasticity reduction occurs because the lung tissues lose some of their natural elasticity, and the chest wall can become stiffer.

• Lung tissues lose natural elasticity
• Chest wall stiffens

As a result, breathing becomes more laborious, and less air can be moved in and out of the lungs with each breath.

respiratory system aging

As the entire respiratory system ages, several notable changes affect overall function. Not only do the lungs become less elastic, and vital capacity decrease, but there are also reductions in the number of functional alveoli (air sacs in the lungs that facilitate gas exchange).
These changes lead to an increased residual volume—the amount of air left in lungs after exhalation.

• Less elastic lungs
• Decreased vital capacity
• Fewer functional alveoli
• Increased residual volume

All these factors combine, making it more difficult for older adults to breathe efficiently. This can also result in lower oxygen levels in the blood and reduced overall exercise capacity.