During a routine physical examination on a 75-year-old female client, a nurse notes that the client is 5 feet, 3/8 inches (1.6 m) tall. The client states, "How is that possible? I was always 5 feet and 1/2? (1.7 m) tall." Which statement is the best response by the nurse?
a) "After age 40, height may show a gradual decrease as a result of spinal compression"
b) "After menopause, the body's bone density declines, resulting in a gradual loss of height."
c) "The posture begins to stoop after middle age."
d) "There may be some slight discrepancy between the measuring tools used."
Answer: b) "After menopause, the body's bone density declines, resulting in a gradual loss of height."