CNA Practice Test
Infection controlQuestion 199 of 1700

Why do older adults have a higher risk of respiratory infection?

  1. They breathe more deeply than younger adults do
  2. They have more cilia in their airways than before
  3. They cough more often than younger adults do
  4. Weaker chest muscles lead to a weaker cough
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Correct answer: Weaker chest muscles lead to a weaker cough

With age the chest muscles weaken, so a cough clears less mucus. Germs then stay in the airway.

Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 4.3: Defenses Against Transmission of Infection

Practice infection control

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026