Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What age-related change should a nurse expect in a 76-year-old patient regarding cardiac function?

1. Decreased response to catecholamines

2. Increased myocardial compliance

3. Decreased audibility of S1

4. Increased resting heart rate

The correct answer is: Decreased response to catecholamines

In older adults, particularly those around 76 years of age, there is a well-documented decrease in the response to catecholamines, which are hormones that play a key role in the body's stress response and increase heart rate and contractility. This diminished responsiveness can lead to a reduced ability to appropriately increase cardiac output during times of stress or increased demand, such as during exercise or illness. As individuals age, myocardial cells may also experience changes that impact their ability to react to catecholamines effectively, often leading to a decrease in the contractile function of the heart. This can contribute to a higher risk of heart failure or other cardiovascular issues, making it crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring the cardiac health of aging patients. The other options do not accurately reflect common age-related changes in cardiac function. For example, myocardial compliance generally decreases with age, which can lead to diastolic dysfunction. The audibility of heart sounds like S1 can vary, but typically, they may become less distinct due to changes in heart structure rather than universally decreased. Additionally, resting heart rate tends to be lower rather than higher in older adults, as the heart's natural pacemaker slows with age.