Which statement accurately reflects vital signs in aging?

• A. A Anxiety can cause a decrease in respiratory rate
• B. B Body temperature is typically lower in older adults
• C. C Caffeine can cause a temporary decrease in pulse rate in adolescents
• D. D Blood pressure slightly decreases immediately following nicotine use

Answer: (B)

Aging changes how the body regulates vital signs, especially temperature. Older adults often have a lower baseline body temperature and a blunted fever response due to reduced metabolism, diminished thermoregulatory ability, and changes in immune response. That makes the statement about body temperature being typically lower in older adults the most accurate reflection of vital signs with aging.

The other ideas don’t align with typical aging physiology. Anxiety usually raises respiratory rate rather than lowers it. Caffeine generally increases heart rate rather than causing a temporary decrease. Nicotine acutely elevates blood pressure through sympathetic stimulation, not decreases it.