The nurse is discussing arteriosclerosis and the effects it has on the

The nurse is discussing arteriosclerosis and the effects it has on the body with an older adult cli-ent.

Although the most commonly recognized effect is on the cardiovascular system, the nurse should include which of the following statements regarding its effect on the gastrointestinal system to complete the discussion?
1. “Circulatory problems make getting to the bathroom easily problematic.”
2. “The benefit you get from your food is also decreased by this condition.”
3. “The aging process that causes the vascular problems also causes elimination problems.”
4. “The problem it creates with blood flow also affects blood flow to the bowels and so affects elimination.”

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Systemic changes in the function of digestion and absorption of nutrients result from changes in older clients’ cardiovascular and neurological systems, rather than their gastrointestinal system. For example, arteriosclerosis causes decreased mesenteric blood flow, thus decreasing absorption from the small intestine.