A 70-year-old male client who is convalescing from a hip replacement is identified as being at risk for developing a pressure ulcer. Which physical characteristic of aging contributes most to this risk factor?
A decreased ability to communicate.
Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
A 16 percent increase in overall body fat.
Calcium loss in the bones.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
Choice A rationale:
While a decreased ability to communicate can be a significant challenge in elderly clients, it is not the primary physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the skin, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue damage.
Choice B rationale:
Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is a critical physical characteristic of aging that contributes to the risk of pressure ulcers. As the skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, it becomes more susceptible to injury from pressure and shear forces, increasing the likelihood of developing pressure ulcers.
Choice C rationale:
A 16 percent increase in overall body fat does not directly contribute to the risk of pressure ulcers. While changes in body composition occur with aging, the primary risk factors for pressure ulcers are related to skin integrity and mobility, not body fat percentage.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium loss in the bones (osteoporosis) is not the main contributing factor to pressure ulcers. Osteoporosis primarily affects bone density and strength but does not directly influence the development of pressure ulcers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the factor that the PN should consider the most likely to increase the client's risk for falls because it can cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, or fainting, especially when the client changes position or gets up from bed or a chair. The PN should monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse before and after administering the medication and assist the client with ambulation and transfers.
A. An ankle ulcer that is healing slowly is not a major risk factor for falls and may not affect the client's mobility or balance.
B. History of alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking is not a major risk factor for falls unless the client is currently intoxicated or has a chronic lung disease that impairs oxygenation or cognition.
C. Recent weight gain of twenty pounds is not a major risk factor for falls unless it causes joint pain, edema, or difficulty moving.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the finding that the PN should instruct the postpartum client to report to the charge nurse because it may indicate an infection, such as endometritis, mastitis, or urinary tract infection, that requires prompt treatment.
The PN should also instruct the client to monitor for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, redness or tenderness of the breasts, or dysuria.
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