Anosmia becomes increasingly common in older adults and affects what fraction of people over 80?

Prepare for the Nursing Across the Lifespan Exam 2. Study through flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding of nursing responsibilities and practices from birth to old age. Get exam-ready with focused preparation!

Multiple Choice

Anosmia becomes increasingly common in older adults and affects what fraction of people over 80?

Explanation:
Loss of smell tends to rise with age as the olfactory system declines; in people over 80, about one in three are affected. This means roughly 33% experience olfactory impairment significant enough to be described as anosmia. Knowing this helps explain why older adults may be at safety and nutrition risk, since smells help detect smoke, gas leaks, spoiled food, and contribute to appetite and flavor. Among the options, one-third best matches the typical prevalence in this age group, while the other fractions are not as representative for those over 80.

Loss of smell tends to rise with age as the olfactory system declines; in people over 80, about one in three are affected. This means roughly 33% experience olfactory impairment significant enough to be described as anosmia. Knowing this helps explain why older adults may be at safety and nutrition risk, since smells help detect smoke, gas leaks, spoiled food, and contribute to appetite and flavor. Among the options, one-third best matches the typical prevalence in this age group, while the other fractions are not as representative for those over 80.

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