Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which statement regarding physiological changes in the elderly is incorrect?

1. There is an increase in the fat-to-lean body ratio

2. There is a decrease in the ability of the liver to metabolize drugs

3. There is an increase in renal function

4. Loss of hearing for sounds in the high-frequency range occurs

The correct answer is: There is an increase in renal function

In elderly individuals, renal function typically declines rather than increases due to physiological changes in the kidneys. As people age, there is a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow, leading to reduced kidney efficiency in filtering waste and excreting medications. This decline may manifest in various ways, such as a reduced ability to concentrate urine and manage electrolyte imbalances efficiently. The other statements are accurate representations of physiological changes that occur with aging. For instance, the increase in the fat-to-lean body ratio is a common phenomenon, as elderly individuals often experience a reduction in muscle mass while increasing fat stores. Similarly, liver function generally decreases with age, affecting the metabolism of drugs, thus requiring careful monitoring of medication dosages in geriatric patients. Additionally, age-related hearing loss, particularly in the high-frequency range, is frequently observed and can significantly impact communication and quality of life in the elderly.