HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

Which of the following assessment findings is considered normal in an 80-year-old male patient?

1. An increase in body weight from younger years.

2. Additional deposits of fat on the thighs and lower legs.

3. The presence of kyphosis and flexion in the knees and hips.

4. A change in overall body proportion, a longer trunk, and shorter extremities.

The correct answer is: The presence of kyphosis and flexion in the knees and hips.

In assessing an 80-year-old male patient, the presence of kyphosis and flexion in the knees and hips is typically considered a normal finding associated with aging. Kyphosis, characterized by an increased curvature of the spine, is common in older adults as a result of changes in the vertebrae, degenerative disc disease, or postural adaptations. This curvature can lead to a forward stoop, which is a characteristic posture seen in the elderly. Additionally, flexion in the knees and hips can also occur due to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and changes in balance or postural alignment, making it a common adaptation as individuals age. These physical changes do not usually indicate a pathological condition but rather represent typical aging processes, reflecting the body's adaptation to years of use and wear. Other options represent changes that are less commonly considered normal in the aging process. An increase in body weight from younger years can indicate obesity, which is not a typical or healthy change. Additional deposits of fat on the thighs and lower legs could signify metabolic changes or variations in lifestyle rather than a standard aging process. A change in body proportion, described as a longer trunk and shorter extremities, can also occur but is generally less characteristic than postural changes like