What is one normal age-related change in the gastrointestinal system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Difficulty chewing and swallowing. As people age, the muscles in the mouth and throat may weaken, leading to challenges with chewing and swallowing. This can result in slower eating and increased risk of choking. Incorrect options: A: Increase in the ability to taste - This is not a normal age-related change. Taste buds may decrease with age, leading to a reduced ability to taste. C: Increase of saliva production - Saliva production typically decreases with age, not increases. D: More rapid movement of body waste through the intestines - Aging usually slows down the movement of waste through the intestines, leading to constipation rather than rapid movement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increasing iron intake. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the blood. Anemia is often caused by a lack of iron, leading to a decrease in red blood cell production. Increasing iron intake through diet or supplements can help replenish iron stores and improve red blood cell count. Choice A is incorrect because reducing vitamin intake would not address the underlying cause of anemia. Choice C is incorrect as vitamin K is not typically used to treat anemia. Choice D is incorrect as fiber does not directly impact iron absorption or red blood cell production. Overall, increasing iron intake is the most effective treatment for anemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because padding the edge of the cast helps reduce sharp edges, preventing skin irritation and potential injury. It ensures the patient's comfort and safety. Choice A is incorrect as scratching inside the cast can cause skin damage and infection. Choice C is incorrect as keeping the cast damp or wet can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Choice D is incorrect as keeping the extremity low close to the ground can increase swelling and discomfort.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. It is crucial to differentiate hyperthyroidism from hypothyroidism (choice A), which is characterized by an underactive thyroid gland resulting in symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. Hypertension (choice B) refers to high blood pressure, unrelated to thyroid hormone production. Hypothermia (choice D) is a condition of abnormally low body temperature, not related to thyroid function. Therefore, hyperthyroidism is the correct answer as it specifically describes the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Return fluid to the circulatory system. The lymphatic system collects excess fluid from tissues and returns it to the bloodstream to maintain fluid balance. It helps prevent edema and supports immune function by transporting white blood cells. A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Providing reflex centers for respiration is a function of the nervous system, not the immune or lymphatic systems. C: Protecting internal organs is primarily the function of the skeletal system and organs themselves, not the immune or lymphatic systems. D: Absorbing nutrients is mainly the role of the digestive system, not the immune or lymphatic systems.