CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which age-related change makes elderly patients more susceptible to dehydration?
- Increased kidney filtration rate
- Decreased thirst sensation (Correct answer)
- Increased saliva production
- Stronger bladder contractions
Correct answer: Decreased thirst sensation
Older adults experience a diminished thirst sensation, making them less likely to drink adequate fluids even when dehydrated.
Question 2: The dermis is the skin layer that contains which of the following structures?
- Melanocytes and keratinocytes
- Sweat glands and hair follicles (Correct answer)
- Stratum corneum and dead cells
- Subcutaneous fat and bone
Correct answer: Sweat glands and hair follicles
The dermis contains sweat glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerve endings beneath the epidermis.
Question 3: Which change in the urinary system is a normal part of aging?
- Increased bladder capacity
- Faster kidney filtration
- Decreased ability to concentrate urine (Correct answer)
- Reduced frequency of urination
Correct answer: Decreased ability to concentrate urine
Aging kidneys lose nephrons and have reduced ability to concentrate urine, leading to increased water loss.
Question 4: In the musculoskeletal system, sarcopenia refers to:
- Loss of bone density with age
- Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength (Correct answer)
- Inflammation of joint cartilage
- Calcification of tendons
Correct answer: Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength
Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging.
Question 5: Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?
- Cerebrum
- Medulla oblongata
- Cerebellum (Correct answer)
- Thalamus
Correct answer: Cerebellum
The cerebellum coordinates voluntary muscle movements, maintains posture, and controls balance.
Question 6: Age-related changes to the cardiovascular system typically include:
- Increased cardiac output at rest
- Decreased arterial wall stiffness
- Increased arterial stiffness and higher systolic blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Faster heart rate recovery after exercise
Correct answer: Increased arterial stiffness and higher systolic blood pressure
Aging causes arterial walls to stiffen (arteriosclerosis), which raises systolic blood pressure and increases cardiac workload.
Question 7: The trachea divides into left and right bronchi at a structure called the:
- Larynx
- Carina (Correct answer)
- Epiglottis
- Alveolus
Correct answer: Carina
The carina is the ridge at the base of the trachea where it splits into the left and right main bronchi.
CNA Basic Human Anatomy and Age-Related Changes 2
Which age-related change makes elderly patients more susceptible to dehydration?