When assessing a 75-year-old man, the nurse expects that he:

The statement that the 75-year-old man may take a little longer to respond, but his general abilities should not have declined, reflects a nuanced understanding of cognitive aging. As individuals age, it is common for them to experience a slowing in processing speed, which can often lead to longer response times in various situations, including assessments. However, while processing speed may be affected, the overall cognitive abilities—such as knowledge, comprehension, and problem-solving skills—tend to remain stable in older adults who are cognitively healthy.

Additionally, maintenance of general cognitive abilities suggests that, even with a possible reduction in response speed, this individual can still function effectively in daily life and retain knowledge acquired over his lifetime. Therefore, this statement is aligned with existing research on aging and cognitive function. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the speed of processing information and the integrity of cognitive capabilities, which tend to remain intact despite age-related changes.