Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What physiological change related to balance should be noted in elderly patients?

1. Improved coordination

2. Increased flexibility

3. Decreased proprioception

4. Stronger muscle tone

The correct answer is: Decreased proprioception

In elderly patients, a notable physiological change that affects balance is decreased proprioception. Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position in space, which is crucial for maintaining balance and coordination. As individuals age, there is often a decline in proprioceptive function due to changes in the sensory receptors, particularly those in the joints and muscles, as well as alterations in the central nervous system's processing of proprioceptive information. This decline can lead to difficulties in balance, making elderly individuals more susceptible to falls. They may not perceive changes in their position as accurately, which can complicate their ability to react appropriately to maintaining an upright posture or stabilizing themselves during movement. The other options do not reflect typical physiological changes associated with aging. For instance, improved coordination, increased flexibility, and stronger muscle tone are generally not characteristics attributed to the elderly population. In fact, coordination often diminishes with age, flexibility tends to decrease due to factors such as joint stiffness and muscle loss, and muscle tone may weaken due to sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. Therefore, the recognition of decreased proprioception as a physiological change is crucial for understanding and addressing issues of balance in the elderly.