The nurse is assessing a 75-year-old patient who has presented to the ambulatory care clinic for an annual physical.The patient tells the nurse she seems to get sick more the older she gets.She questions the nurse about the reason.What response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aging does not affect the bone marrow to a significant degree.It does cause the thymus gland to become smaller,and T cells apparently diminish in the circulation;B-cell numbers usually remain the same.All the mechanisms involved in decreased immune function are not yet clear,but it is apparent that after age 70 there is a definite decline in the function of the immune system.The patient may indeed need a flu vaccine,but this does not answer the inquiry posed by the patient.

The Nurse Is Assessing a 75-Year-Old Patient Who Has Presented