An older patient is experiencing shortness of breath when completing household activities. Which age-related change in the respiratory system should be used to explain this patient's symptoms? Select all that apply.
A) Loss of lung elastic recoil
B) Larger and thinner alveoli
C) Increased surface area for gas exchange
D) Thickening of the alveolar-capillary membrane
E) Reduction in the number of functioning alveoli

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Age-related changes in the respiratory system that can explain shortness of breath include loss of lung elastic recoil (A), which affects how effectively the lungs can expand and contract; larger and thinner alveoli (B), which can reduce the efficiency of gas exchange; thickening of the alveolar-capillary membrane (D), which makes it harder for oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between the lungs and blood; and a reduction in the number of functioning alveoli (E), which decreases the overall surface area available for gas exchange. Option C is incorrect because aging typically leads to a decrease, not an increase, in the surface area for gas exchange due to changes like those described in options B and E.

An Older Patient Is Experiencing Shortness of Breath When Completing