247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Aging and Older Adults

Which of the following is a NORMAL physiological change associated with aging?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Decreased renal clearance — kidney function declines progressively with age, affecting drug elimination and making older adults more susceptible to medication toxicity

  1. A Decreased blood pressure in all older adults
  2. B Decreased renal clearance — kidney function declines progressively with age, affecting drug elimination and making older adults more susceptible to medication toxicity
  3. C Improved balance and faster reaction time
  4. D Increased muscle mass

Why this is the answer

Normal physiological changes with aging:

Renal: GFR decreases approximately 1% per year after age 40; reduced creatinine clearance means medications eliminated renally accumulate to higher levels at the same dose — dosage adjustments are often required.

Musculoskeletal: Muscle mass decreases (sarcopenia); bone density decreases; height decreases.

Cardiovascular: Maximum heart rate decreases; cardiac reserve decreases; blood pressure often increases (not decreases) with age due to arterial stiffness.

Respiratory: Vital capacity decreases; chest wall compliance decreases.

Sensory: Visual acuity decreases; hearing loss (presbycusis); taste and smell decline; GI: Decreased GI motility (constipation risk); decreased gastric acid.

Neurological: Slowed reaction time; decreased balance; memory retrieval (not storage) slows. Normal aging changes ≠ disease — these are expected, not pathological.

Source: NCLEX-PN, Normal Aging Changes

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Aging and Older Adults and other topics.

Take the PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance practice test →

About this topic: Aging and Older Adults

Aging and older-adult questions cover normal changes of aging versus disease, fall and injury prevention, polypharmacy, and promoting independence and safety in older clients. This is one of 8 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on aging and older adults, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Aging and Older Adults

Which of the following is a NORMAL physiological change of aging rather than a pathological finding?

 Aging and Older Adults

Which of the following is a major risk factor for FALLS in older adults that nurses should assess?

 Aging and Older Adults

Which medication consideration is MOST important when administering drugs to an older adult?

 Aging and Older Adults

An older adult client is prescribed a new blood pressure medication. Which teaching point is MOST important for this population?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →