NCLEX Style Study Question
An elderly woman reports that she has been using more salt on her food than she used to. This is because
- her taste buds are dulled
- she is confused because of her advancing age
- sodium is needed to ensure adequate renal function
- her body is attempting to compensate for lost fluids
June 25th, 2005 at 1:04 pm
1
June 25th, 2005 at 3:38 pm
1
June 25th, 2005 at 4:51 pm
guessing #4
June 26th, 2005 at 6:06 am
1
June 26th, 2005 at 7:30 am
1
June 26th, 2005 at 2:30 pm
i’m choosing #1
June 28th, 2005 at 5:11 pm
Number 1
June 29th, 2005 at 10:32 pm
Correct answer: 1
The taste buds begin to atrophy at age 40 and insensitivity to taste qualities occurs after 60. Studies related to diminished taste indicate that there are changes in the salt threshold for some elderly individuals. People lose the ability to compensate for fluid losses as they age. Extra sodium is not needed for renal function. Confusion can cause a wide varity of behaviors but most elderly individuals do not experience confusion.