Geriatric Changes and Aging · NCLEX Exam

In the cardiovascular system, with aging, the heart’s response to sympathetic stimulation is blunted. This means:

  1. Heart rate climbs more rapidly at the onset of exercise
  2. A reduced capacity to raise heart rate and cardiac output under stress
  3. No measurable change in cardiac autonomic responsiveness
  4. A faster recovery of heart rate after exercise stops
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A reduced capacity to raise heart rate and cardiac output under stress

Aging reduces sympathetic responsiveness of the heart, so maximal heart rate and cardiac output under stress are diminished.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

Practice all 20 Geriatric Changes and Aging questions

Keep practicing

More Geriatric Changes and Aging questions