Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment of Hematologic Function and Treatment Modalities Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Assessment of Hematologic Function and Treatment Modalities related questions and content

The nurse is providing care for an older adult who has a hematologic disorder. What age-related change in hematologic function should the nurse integrate into care planning?

  • A. Bone marrow in older adults produces a smaller proportion of healthy, functional blood cells.
  • B. Older adults are less able to increase blood cell production when demand suddenly increases.
  • C. Stem cells in older adults eventually lose their ability to differentiate.
  • D. The ratio of plasma to erythrocytes and lymphocytes increases with age.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Due to a variety of factors, when an older person needs more blood cells, the bone marrow may not be able to increase production of these cells adequately. Stem cell activity continues throughout the lifespan, although at a somewhat decreased rate. The proportion of functional cells does not greatly decrease and the relative volume of plasma does not change significantly.