A nurse is caring for an older adult. Which sensory change will the nurse identify as normal during the assessment?

Choice A reason: Difficulty hearing low pitch is not a typical age-related change. Presbycusis, common in older adults, primarily affects high-frequency hearing, making it hard to discern high-pitched sounds like consonants. Low-pitch hearing is generally preserved. This choice does not reflect a normal sensory change, as it misaligns with the expected auditory decline in aging. Choice B reason: Increased taste discrimination is incorrect, as aging typically reduces taste sensitivity due to fewer taste buds and altered salivary function. Older adults often report diminished flavor perception, impacting appetite. This choice is not a normal sensory change, as it contradicts the expected decline in gustatory function associated with aging. Choice C reason: Impaired night vision is a normal age-related change due to presbyopia and reduced pupil dilation, decreasing retinal light sensitivity. Older adults struggle with low-light conditions, increasing fall risk. This change, linked to lens yellowing and slower dark adaptation, is expected and aligns with typical visual decline in aging populations. Choice D reason: Heightened sense of smell is not typical in older adults. Aging reduces olfactory sensitivity due to fewer olfactory neurons and mucosal changes, impairing smell detection. This can affect safety, like detecting gas leaks. This choice is incorrect, as it opposes the normal decline in olfactory function seen in aging.