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 menopause, the body's bone density declines, resulting in a gradual loss of height."
b) "There may be some slight discrepancy between the measuring tools used."
c) "The posture begins to stoop after middle age."
d) "After age 40, height may show a gradual decrease as a result of spinal compression"