CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes 2

Question 1

An 82-year-old resident with no history of diabetes complains that their food tastes bland and has started adding excessive salt.
This age-related change, which can lead to poor nutrition, is primarily due to a decline in which sense?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory (smell) function

Answer

Gustatory (taste) function alone

Answer

Trigeminal nerve sensitivity

Answer

Salivary gland production only

Question 2

A CNA is assisting a 78-year-old male resident who has been waking up 3-4 times per night to urinate (nocturia). Which age-related physiological change is the MOST likely contributor to this resident's condition, independent of prostate issues?

Accepted Answer

Reduced bladder capacity and changes in circadian rhythms affecting urine production

Answer

Increased production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) at night

Answer

A significant increase in the bladder's maximum holding capacity

Answer

Decreased nocturnal urine production and increased bladder elasticity

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a NORMAL, non-pathological cognitive change associated with the aging nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Taking longer to recall the name of a new acquaintance

Answer

Frequently getting lost in familiar neighborhoods

Answer

Rapid mood swings and personality changes

Answer

Forgetting the purpose of common objects like a key or a phone

Question 4

A frail 88-year-old resident is being cared for during a heatwave. The CNA should be especially vigilant for signs of hyperthermia because, compared to a younger person, this resident's body has a reduced ability to cool itself. This is primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Attenuated sweat response and less efficient skin blood flow

Answer

An overactive sweat response and rapid skin vasodilation

Answer

Increased subcutaneous fat layer providing excess insulation

Answer

A lower core body temperature threshold for initiating cooling mechanisms

Question 5

A CNA observes a 90-year-old resident, who is otherwise cognitively intact, becoming increasingly hesitant and shuffling when walking on uneven surfaces. This difficulty is most directly linked to an age-related decline in:

Accepted Answer

Proprioception, the sense of body position

Answer

Adipose tissue in the soles of the feet

Answer

The number of fast-twitch muscle fibers

Answer

The production of synovial fluid in the knees

Question 6

A resident with well-managed hypertension, but no diagnosis of diabetes, is noted to have slowly increasing fasting blood glucose levels over several years. This trend can be a normal part of aging due to which endocrine system change?

Accepted Answer

A gradual decrease in insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance

Answer

Increased sensitivity of cells to insulin

Answer

A significant increase in pancreatic beta-cell mass

Answer

Decreased insulin resistance and improved glucose uptake