The nurse is assessing the lungs of an 85-year-old patient who states having a decreased tolerance for activity.The nurse informs the patient that this results from some of the normal changes that occur in the respiratory system of the older adult:

Question

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In older adults, the respiratory system is less efficient (decreased vital capacity, less surface area for gas exchange), and so they have less tolerance for activity.In the aging adult, the lungs are less elastic and distensible, which decreases their ability to collapse and recoil.Vital capacity is decreased, and a loss of intra-alveolar septa occurs, causing less surface area for gas exchange.The lung bases become less ventilated, and the older person is at risk for dyspnea with exertion beyond his or her usual workload.

The Nurse Is Assessing the Lungs of an 85-Year-Old Patient