Question 1

Which of the following is associated with the male climacteric?

Accepted Answer

The male climacteric, also known as andropause, is a decrease in testosterone production that occurs in men as they age. This can lead to symptoms such as decreased libido and difficulty attaining and maintaining an erection. While testosterone production does decrease, it is not increased during the male climacteric. Enlargement of the testes and increased volume of seminal fluid are associated with puberty, not the male climacteric.

Question 2

What is the most likely explanation for the decline in sexual activity associated with mid-life?

Accepted Answer

The demands and pressures of everyday living

Question 3

Why do we know so little about normal middle-aged brains?

Accepted Answer

Most research on brain functions has focused on changes associated with trauma and disease, leaving a gap in knowledge about the normal functioning of middle-aged brains.

Question 4

Which of the following is a factor that is likely to lead to clinical depression during and after menopause?

Accepted Answer

The number of life stressors present both before and during menopause is a factor that is likely to lead to clinical depression during and after menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause can interact with life stressors to increase the risk of depression. Women who have experienced depression or have a history of mood disorders may be at greater risk.

Question 5

Which of the following groups is LEAST likely to have a negative view of menopause?

Accepted Answer

African American women are generally found to have a more positive view of menopause, often seeing it as a natural transition and a time of increased freedom and personal growth.

Question 6

Bernice is 45. At least once a week, she wakes up in the middle of the night wringing wet with sweat. She is having ________, a form of ________.

Accepted Answer

Night sweats are a common symptom of menopause and are often accompanied by hot flashes. Option B is incorrect because climacteric is not a specific form of menopause, but rather a period of time when women undergo hormonal changes. Option C is incorrect because hot flashes are a specific symptom of menopause, which Bernice may or may not be experiencing along with her night sweats. Option D is incorrect because anovulation refers to a lack of ovulation, which may or may not be related to Bernice's night sweats.

Question 7

Alleena has noticed that she is becoming forgetful, sometimes gets words mixed up, and her emotions seem to be "making her crazy." She is also very fatigued. What is the likely cause of this?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms mentioned are likely due to sleep disturbance caused by hot flashes and hormonal changes during perimenopause. The other choices do not address all of the mentioned symptoms.

Question 8

During which phase of menopause do both types of estrogen drop, progesterone levels drop, and ovulation ceases?

Accepted Answer

During postmenopause, both types of estrogen (estradiol and estrone) drop significantly, progesterone levels also drop, and ovulation ceases completely. This is the stage after 12 consecutive months without a period, and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

Question 9

Which hormone rises during the second half of the menstrual cycle and stimulates the sloughing off of accumulated material in the uterus each month if conception has not occurred?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone rises during the second half of the menstrual cycle and stimulates the sloughing off of the uterine lining if conception has not occurred. This process is known as menstruation. Estrogen also plays a role in the menstrual cycle, specifically in the buildup of the uterine lining during the first half of the cycle. However, it is progesterone that triggers the shedding of the uterine lining. Testosterone and serotonin do not have a direct role in the menstrual cycle.

Question 10

Which of the following is likely to contribute to a male's problems with sexual functioning?

Accepted Answer

Use of blood pressure medication is known to contribute to sexual dysfunction in males, as it can affect blood flow to the penis. The other options listed are unlikely to directly impact male sexual functioning or may even have positive effects on it, such as smoking cessation and a high-fiber diet. An increase in testosterone levels may actually improve sexual functioning.

Question 11

What is the average age for the onset of menopause in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The average age for the onset of menopause in the United States is around 50 years old. While some women may experience menopause earlier or later, the average age is 50.

Question 12

Gilda is 35 years old. Her estrogen levels have decreased, her menstrual periods have become very irregular, and she experiences periods of extreme sweating. What's happening with Gilda?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest that Gilda is likely in the perimenopausal phase of menopause. This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause when estrogen levels start to decline, causing changes in the menstrual cycle and other symptoms such as hot flashes. It typically occurs in women in their late 30s to early 50s. It would be important for Gilda to discuss her symptoms with her doctor to confirm this and discuss potential management options.

Question 13

Which of the following is a physical effect that is attributed to the reduction in estrogen during the phases of menopause?

Accepted Answer

The reduction in estrogen during menopause causes the walls of the vagina to become less elastic, resulting in vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual activity. This is due to the loss of collagen and changes in tissue structure that occur with decreased estrogen levels. A is incorrect because the breasts tend to sag and lose firmness during menopause. B is incorrect because menopause marks the end of ovulation and the cessation of menstrual cycles. C is incorrect because the vaginal walls may thin and atrophy during menopause, leading to a shorter and narrower vagina.

Question 14

According to the most current research, which of the following is a benefit of hormone replacement therapy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the most current research, which...

Question 15

What is sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Question 16

Fifty-year-old Evan has begun to experience difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. These changes might indicate that Evan is experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The climacteric refers to the transition period in midlife when fertility declines and physical and psychological changes occur, including decreased sexual function. Menopause is a term that refers to the cessation of menstrual periods in women, and osteoporosis and heart disease are not directly related to Evan's symptoms.

Question 17

Which of the following is true of cognitive functioning and automobile accidents?

Accepted Answer

Young adults are more prone to accidents due to lapses in judgment and a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as drinking alcohol.

Question 18

According to several studies, the psychological effects of menopause should not be linked with

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that the psychological effects of menopause should not be linked with an increased likelihood of major depression, which implies that it is not a significant factor in causing psychological symptoms during menopause. However, life stressors, a personality predisposed to negativity, and level of uncomfortable physical symptoms can negatively impact a woman's mental health during menopause.

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why it takes middle-aged adults longer to perform cognitive tasks than younger adults?

Accepted Answer

As people age, they recruit a larger area of the cortex to complete cognitive tasks, which takes longer to process information. This is often referred to as age-related neural recruitment or compensation.

Question 20

From No Easy Answers on page 394: Which of the following statements best summarizes the current research on hormone therapy (HT) for menopause?

Accepted Answer

The article discusses the risks and benefits of hormone therapy and suggests that it should be used cautiously and based on individual symptoms. The other options are not supported by the article.

Quiz 15: Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood