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 B
Explanation
The Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination is recommended for adults aged 60 years and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles or chicken pox before. The vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.
The other options are not correct because:
A. The vaccine is useful even if the person has had a case of shingles before, as shingles can recur in some people. The vaccine can prevent or reduce the severity of future episodes.
C. The person needs to get this vaccination even if they have had chickenpox, as shingles are caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). The vaccine can boost the immunity against the virus and prevent it from reactivating.
D. The vaccination does not minimize outbreaks of cold sores, as cold sores are caused by a different virus (herpes simplex virus). The vaccine has no effect on this virus or its symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Determine the client's usual bowel pattern.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a prescribed PRN stool softener may be necessary if the client is experiencing constipation, but it is not the first action the PN should implement. Before administering any medication, the PN should gather more information to make an informed decision.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate more frequently can be beneficial for promoting bowel movements, but it is not the first action to implement. The PN should first assess the client's bowel pattern to determine if there is a deviation from their usual routine.
Choice C rationale:
Recommending increasing high fiber foods daily can also help with constipation, but it is not the first action to take. The PN should assess the client's current bowel pattern to better understand the situation.
Choice D rationale:
Determining the client's usual bowel pattern is the first action the PN should take. This assessment will help establish a baseline and identify any deviations that might indicate a potential issue, which can then guide further interventions.
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