Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-In-One Guide for Exam Success!

Hypogeusia is best defined as a reduced ability to taste. This condition is often associated with age-related changes in the gustatory system, and it can lead to diminished flavor perception, impacting appetite and nutrition in older adults. As individuals age, the sensitivity of taste receptors may decline, contributing to hypogeusia. This condition is distinct from other sensory declines related to aging, such as presbycusis (decline in hearing) or presbyopia (decline in vision), which are related to auditory and visual systems respectively. Additionally, although the sense of smell can also decline with age, that specific decline is referred to as hyposmia, not hypogeusia. Therefore, the correct definition directly pertains to the changes in taste, making it the most accurate choice in the context of this question.