Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

With aging, what happens to the respiratory system's function?

1. It significantly improves

2. It decreases gradually

3. It becomes unpredictable

4. It remains completely unchanged

The correct answer is: It decreases gradually

As individuals age, the respiratory system undergoes several physiological changes that lead to a gradual decline in function. This decline is primarily attributed to changes in lung structure, elasticity, and the efficiency of gas exchange. With aging, the lungs experience a decrease in elastic recoil, which affects the ability to fully exhale air. The alveoli, the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs, can lose their shape and number, leading to reduced surface area available for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Additionally, chest wall compliance decreases, making it more challenging for the lungs to expand fully during inhalation. These physiological changes result in a decrease in overall lung function and can lead to a predisposition to respiratory illnesses and decreased exercise tolerance. While certain lifestyle choices and conditions can affect the degree of decline, the general trend is a gradual decrease in respiratory function with aging. This choice accurately reflects the reality of how aging affects the respiratory system.