The nurse is performing a physical examination on a 40-year-old patient.The nurse will probably find that at this age,the patient is experiencing which of the following physiological changes related to normal aging?

A) Decreased heart rate.
B) Decreased sense of smell.
C) Decreased strength of abdominal muscles.
D) Decreased function of the cranial nerves.

Physiological Changes

Refers to the alterations in the normal functions of the human body due to various factors like age, disease, or environmental conditions.

Sense of Smell

The ability to perceive odors or scents through the olfactory system located in the nose.

Cranial Nerves

Twelve pairs of nerves that arise directly from the brain, not the spinal cord, and perform a variety of functions including sensory and motor activities.