Question 1

What change in DLCO is expected over the course of adult life?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 2

What changes can be expected in arterial venous oxygen content difference C(a-v)O₂ with aging?

Accepted Answer

The arterial venous oxygen content difference (C(a-v)O₂) decreases with age due to factors such as reduced muscle mass and decreased physical activity, which lead to a lower oxygen demand and extraction by tissues.

Question 3

What changes would be expected in RV,VC and TLC with aging?

Accepted Answer

With aging, residual volume (RV) increases due to decreased elasticity of the lungs, vital capacity (VC) decreases as a result of reduced strength of respiratory muscles and diminished lung elasticity, and total lung capacity (TLC) remains relatively constant because the increase in RV offsets the decrease in VC.

Question 4

After what age do the alveoli start to progressively deteriorate and enlarge?

Accepted Answer

The alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, start to progressively deteriorate and enlarge after the age of 30. This is a normal part of the aging process and can affect respiratory function over time.

Question 5

What of the following is one of the most prominent physiologic changes associated with aging?

Accepted Answer

Reduced airflow expulsion is a common physiologic change associated with aging. As people age, the elasticity of their lung tissue decreases, which can lead to a decrease in the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled forcefully in one second (forced expiratory volume in one second, or FEV₁). This reduction in airflow expulsion can lead to shortness of breath and other respiratory problems.

Question 6

Which of the following factors may predispose the elderly to anemia?
I.Replacement of red bone marrow in long bones with fatty marrow
II.GI atrophy
III.GI bleeding
Iv.Insufficient income to purchase nutritious food

Accepted Answer

All listed factors can predispose the elderly to anemia. Replacement of red bone marrow with fatty marrow reduces the body's ability to produce red blood cells. GI atrophy and GI bleeding can lead to iron deficiency, affecting hemoglobin production. Insufficient income to purchase nutritious food can result in dietary deficiencies, including those of iron, vitamin B12, and folate, contributing to anemia.

Question 7

With aging,what changes are seen in the elastic recoil and compliance of the lungs?

Accepted Answer

With aging, the lung tissue becomes stiffer due to decreased elastic recoil, which makes it harder for the lungs to contract and expel air. This results in decreased lung compliance, or the ability of the lungs to stretch and expand, making it harder to inhale air. Therefore, the correct option is A, where elastic recoil decreases and lung compliance increases.

Question 8

What change can be expected in alveolar deadspace ventilation throughout adult life?

Accepted Answer

Alveolar dead space ventilation increases by approximately 1 mL/year throughout adult life due to the gradual decrease in efficiency of gas exchange and changes in lung structure.

Question 9

By what age is the growth and development of the lungs complete?

Accepted Answer

The growth and development of the lungs is not complete until around the age of 20. This is because the lungs continue to grow and develop during adolescence and early adulthood. However, it should be noted that certain lung functions, such as the ability to exhale forcefully, may start to decline after the age of 30.

Question 10

In women,how much does the VC decrease per year?

Accepted Answer

Vital capacity (VC) decreases by about 20 mL/year in women.

Question 11

After age 20,how much does the FEV₁ decrease for males?

Accepted Answer

After age 20, the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁) typically decreases by about 30 mL per year in males.

Question 12

Approximately how many people living in the United States are 65 years of age or older?

Accepted Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2021, there are over 56 million people in the United States who are 65 years of age or older. This is more than the option given in A, B, and C, and thus A is the correct answer.

Question 13

With aging,what changes can be expected in the costal cartilages and thoracic compliance?

Accepted Answer

Costal cartilages calcify with aging, which causes a downward slant of the ribs. This calcification makes the thorax less compliant, affecting respiratory mechanics by reducing the chest wall's ability to expand and contract.

Question 14

What effect does aging have on PaCO₂ in the healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

PaCO₂ remains relatively constant throughout adult life in healthy individuals. Age-related changes in breathing patterns and lung function may lead to small variations, but they are not significant enough to cause a noticeable change in PaCO₂ levels.

Question 15

During exertion,how does the body compensate for the decreased compliance of the respiratory system associated with aging?

Accepted Answer

During exertion, the body compensates for the decreased compliance of the respiratory system associated with aging by increasing the respiratory frequency. This adjustment helps to meet the increased oxygen demand and carbon dioxide elimination despite the reduced elasticity of the lungs and chest wall.

Question 16

By age 70,how much does the VC generally decrease?

Accepted Answer

Vital capacity (VC) generally decreases by about 40-50% by age 70 due to factors like decreased lung elasticity and muscle strength.

Question 17

How does the work expenditure of a 60 year old to overcome static mechanical forces during normal breathing compare to that of a 20 year old?

Accepted Answer

The work expenditure of a 60 year old is higher due to age-related changes in the respiratory system, such as decreased elasticity of the lungs and chest wall, leading to increased resistance against which the respiratory muscles must work.

Question 18

At what adult age does the PaO₂ generally start to decline?

Accepted Answer

The partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) in the blood typically begins to decline around the age of 45 due to age-related changes in lung function.

Question 19

How is the ventilatory response to hypoxia affected in healthy men over age 65?

Accepted Answer

The ventilatory response to hypoxia is decreased by more than 50% in healthy men over age 65. This is due to age-related changes in respiratory function and decreased sensitivity to hypoxia.

Question 20

By age 60,what is the approximate value for the RV/TLC ratio?

Accepted Answer

By age 60, the approximate value for the RV/TLC (Residual Volume/Total Lung Capacity) ratio is 35%. This ratio increases with age due to changes in lung structure and function.

Quiz 11: Aging and the Cardiopulmonary System