Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
A healthy 70-year-old patient has low hemoglobin levels and no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. The nurse recognizes which item is an effect of aging that could be the reason for the low hemoglobin level?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Aging often leads to a decrease in the efficiency of nutrient absorption, including iron. This decrease in intestinal absorption of iron can result in low hemoglobin levels in elderly individuals. It's a common cause of anemia in the elderly population.