The nurse is conducting a health fair for older adults. Which statement is true regarding vital sign measurements in aging adults?

A) The pulse is more difficult to palpate because of the stiffness of the blood vessels.
B) An increased respiratory rate and a shallower inspiratory phase are expected findings.
C) A decreased pulse pressure occurs from changes in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
D) Changes in the body's temperature regulatory mechanism leave the older person more likely to develop a fever.

Aging causes a decrease in vital capacity and decreased inspiratory reserve volume. The examiner may notice a shallower inspiratory phase and an increased respiratory rate. An increase in the rigidity of the arterial walls actually makes the pulse easier to palpate. Pulse pressure is widened in older adults, and changes in the body temperature regulatory mechanism leave the older person less likely to have fever but at a greater risk for hypothermia. Pulse pressure is widened, rather than decreased, in older adults, and changes in the body temperature regulatory mechanism leave the older person less likely to have fever but at a greater risk for hypothermia. As people age there is a decrease in vital capacity and decreased inspiratory reserve volume. The examiner may notice a shallower inspiratory phase and an increased respiratory rate.