ATI Nutrition Proctored Related

Review ATI Nutrition Proctored related questions and content

What describes a common physical change of aging that can affect an older adult's nutrition?

  • A. reduced salivary output
  • B. increased gastrointestinal motility
  • C. abnormal cortisol production
  • D. increase in number of taste buds
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Reduced salivary output is a common physical change in aging. This can affect an older adult's nutrition by impacting chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. The decrease in saliva production can make it harder to chew and swallow food effectively, affecting the overall eating experience. Additionally, saliva plays a role in taste perception, so a reduction in salivary output can lead to alterations in how food tastes, potentially impacting an individual's appetite and food choices. Increased gastrointestinal motility (choice B) is not typically associated with aging and would not directly affect nutrition. Abnormal cortisol production (choice C) is related to hormonal changes and is not a common physical change of aging that affects nutrition. An increase in the number of taste buds (choice D) is not a typical change associated with aging and would not have a significant impact on an older adult's nutrition.