Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is NOT considered an age-related change in thermoregulation?

1. Decreased sensitivity to heat

2. Decreased sweating response

3. Thermoregulation efficiency

4. Decreased vascular responsiveness

The correct answer is: Thermoregulation efficiency

Age-related changes in thermoregulation often reflect the body's diminished ability to respond effectively to temperature fluctuations. The correct answer refers to thermoregulation efficiency. Contrary to becoming less efficient, older adults experience various physiological changes that can compromise their thermoregulation. For example, as people age, they often exhibit decreased sensitivity to heat, meaning their perception of elevated temperatures may not trigger the same physiological responses as in younger individuals. This can lead to a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, older adults generally have a reduced sweating response, which is crucial for cooling the body down in hot environments. The body relies on sweating to dissipate heat, and a diminished ability to sweat can make it harder for older individuals to maintain a stable body temperature. Decreased vascular responsiveness is another factor affecting thermoregulation. As blood vessels become less able to constrict and dilate appropriately with changes in temperature, the body's ability to regulate its internal thermal environment can be compromised. Therefore, thermoregulation efficiency is not considered an age-related change; rather, older adults tend to have less efficiency in thermoregulation due to the other mentioned changes.