Oxygen saturation in older adults is typically

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Multiple Choice

Oxygen saturation in older adults is typically

Explanation:
As people age, several changes in the respiratory system can make oxygen transfer from air to blood slightly less efficient. The chest wall becomes stiffer, the lungs lose some elastic recoil, and there can be mild diffusion impairment or ventilation-perfusion mismatches, especially with coexisting heart or lung conditions. Because of these factors, arterial oxygen saturation tends to be a bit lower on average in older adults than in younger adults. However, many healthy older adults still maintain near-normal saturation at rest. So, the typical pattern is a bit lower, rather than higher or unchanged, which is why this option is selected.

As people age, several changes in the respiratory system can make oxygen transfer from air to blood slightly less efficient. The chest wall becomes stiffer, the lungs lose some elastic recoil, and there can be mild diffusion impairment or ventilation-perfusion mismatches, especially with coexisting heart or lung conditions. Because of these factors, arterial oxygen saturation tends to be a bit lower on average in older adults than in younger adults. However, many healthy older adults still maintain near-normal saturation at rest. So, the typical pattern is a bit lower, rather than higher or unchanged, which is why this option is selected.

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