In an older adult patient, what is an important change to consider in the respiratory assessment?

As individuals age, various physiological changes occur, particularly in the respiratory system. One significant change is decreased lung capacity, which can arise from alterations in lung elasticity, reduction in the strength of respiratory muscles, and a decrease in the surface area available for gas exchange. This decline can lead to a variety of complications, including an increased risk of conditions such as left ventricular heart failure, primarily because the heart and lungs work closely together to maintain adequate oxygenation and circulation.

Decreased lung capacity means that older adults may not be able to inhale as deeply or exhale fully, which can lead to stagnant air and a reduction in overall oxygen exchange. Consequently, this can place additional stress on the cardiovascular system, contributing to heart-related issues.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical physiological changes observed in older adults. For instance, lung capacity generally decreases rather than increases with age, which adversely affects respiratory function. Additionally, older adults often have a higher risk of respiratory infections due to weakened immune responses and changes in lung structure. Also, respiratory muscle function tends to decline with age rather than improve, affecting breathing efficiency and leading to greater susceptibility to respiratory conditions.