Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which change is NOT considered a normal aging change in older adults?

1. Older adults often experience an increased pulse pressure

2. There is a decreased amount of blood pumped throughout the circulatory system

3. Premature contractions and arrhythmias may occur

4. Older adults often experience higher diastolic pressure

The correct answer is: Older adults often experience higher diastolic pressure

The assertion that older adults often experience higher diastolic pressure is not typically aligned with normal aging changes. As individuals age, it is common for systolic blood pressure to rise due to arterial stiffness and other age-related changes, which can lead to an increase in pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure). However, diastolic pressure often remains stable or can even decrease in older adults. In contrast, increased pulse pressure, decreased blood volume pumped throughout the circulatory system, and the potential for premature contractions and arrhythmias can be seen as normal changes associated with aging. These cardiovascular alterations reflect physiological changes, such as decreased cardiac compliance and changes in the electrical conduction system of the heart, which are common in this population. Therefore, the experience of higher diastolic pressure is inconsistent with the typical cardiovascular adaptations that occur with aging, making it the option that does not fit as a normal aging change.