CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which age-related change commonly affects the cardiovascular system in older adults?
- The heart beats faster at rest
- Blood vessels become more elastic
- Arteries stiffen and blood pressure tends to rise (Correct answer)
- Cardiac output significantly increases
Correct answer: Arteries stiffen and blood pressure tends to rise
As people age, arteries lose elasticity and become stiffer (arteriosclerosis), which commonly leads to higher blood pressure. Resting heart rate does not significantly change with normal aging.
Question 2: An older resident feels cold even when the room is warm. This is most likely due to which age-related change?
- Increased metabolic rate
- Decreased ability to regulate body temperature (Correct answer)
- Increased circulation to the skin
- Higher fat stores beneath the skin
Correct answer: Decreased ability to regulate body temperature
Older adults have a decreased ability to regulate body temperature due to reduced metabolic rate, less subcutaneous fat, and diminished circulation. They are more sensitive to cold and heat.
Question 3: Which sensory change is most commonly associated with normal aging?
- Complete loss of taste
- Decreased visual acuity and hearing loss (Correct answer)
- Heightened sense of smell
- Increased sensitivity to pain
Correct answer: Decreased visual acuity and hearing loss
Normal aging typically brings decreased visual acuity (often requiring glasses) and progressive hearing loss (presbycusis). These changes are among the most common sensory changes in older adults.
Question 4: Older adults are at higher risk for bone fractures due to which age-related change?
- Increased bone density
- Decreased bone density (osteoporosis) (Correct answer)
- Faster bone healing
- Increased calcium absorption
Correct answer: Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
Bone density decreases with age, particularly in postmenopausal women, leading to osteoporosis. This makes bones more fragile and increases the risk of fractures from minor falls or injuries.
Question 5: Which age-related change to the skin increases a resident's risk of pressure injuries?
- Increased oil gland activity
- Skin becomes thicker and more resistant
- Skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic (Correct answer)
- Blood flow to the skin increases
Correct answer: Skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic
Aging causes the skin to become thinner, drier, and less elastic due to decreased oil and sweat gland activity and reduced collagen production. This makes it more vulnerable to breakdown and pressure injuries.
Question 6: A CNA notices an older resident takes longer to react when spoken to. This may be due to which age-related neurological change?
- Dementia in all older adults
- Decreased nerve conduction velocity and slower processing speed (Correct answer)
- Increased brain size with age
- Permanent hearing loss
Correct answer: Decreased nerve conduction velocity and slower processing speed
Normal aging slows nerve conduction velocity and cognitive processing speed, meaning older adults may take longer to respond. This is a normal change and should not be assumed to be dementia.
CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes
Which age-related change commonly affects the cardiovascular system in older adults?