2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for an older client who has a bronchopulmonary infection. The nurse monitors the client's ability to maintain a patent airway because of which factor involved in the normal aging process?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway in older adults is crucial due to age-related physiological changes. Option C highlights the decreased ability of older clients to clear secretions, which can lead to airway obstruction and increased risk of infection.
Option A, increased respiratory system compliance, is incorrect as aging typically results in decreased compliance, making it harder to expand the lungs. Option B inaccurately states that there is an increased function of remaining alveoli; while some alveoli may remain functional, the overall number decreases, compromising gas exchange. Option D is also wrong, as surfactant production generally decreases with age, leading to increased surface tension and impaired lung function.