A gerontologic nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about integumentary changes that occur in older adults, such as thinning skin. How should these students best integrate these changes into care planning?
By avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain
By protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation
By protecting older adults against shearing injuries
By avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Avoiding the use of ice packs to treat muscle pain - While ice packs can cause skin damage in older adults with thinning skin, it is not the most appropriate response to the question. Protecting against shearing injuries is a more direct and specific concern related to thinning skin.
B. Protecting older adults against excessive sweat accumulation - Excessive sweat accumulation can lead to skin irritation, but this option does not directly address the issue of thinning skin as the primary concern in the question.
C. By protecting older adults against shearing injuries
Thinning skin in older adults makes them more vulnerable to skin injuries, especially shearing injuries. Shearing occurs when the skin is pulled in one direction while the underlying bone and tissues are pulled in the opposite direction. This can lead to skin tears and other wounds, which can be painful and slow to heal in older adults. Nurses should take special precautions to prevent shearing injuries, such as using lift sheets or sliding devices when moving patients, and ensuring that patients are repositioned frequently to reduce friction and shearing forces.
D. Avoiding the use of lotion on older adults' skin - Proper moisturization of the skin is important, especially in older adults, to prevent dryness and skin breakdown. Avoiding lotion is not a recommended practice; instead, choosing appropriate, non-irritating lotions can help maintain skin integrity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["500"]
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate in ml/hr for a 500 ml bolus to be administered over 1 hour, you can simply set the pump to deliver the entire volume in the specified time:
500 ml / 1 hour = 500 ml/hr
So, the pump should be set at 500 ml/hr to administer the 500 ml bolus over 1 hour.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased thickness of the subcutaneous skin layer - Aging typically results in thinning of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, making older adults more vulnerable to pressure ulcers rather than having increased thickness.
B. Changes in the character and quantity of bacterial skin flora - This is a common age-related change; however, it is not directly related to the course of treatment for a sacral pressure ulcer. Proper wound care can mitigate the impact of changes in skin flora.
C. Increased time required for wound healing - Aging often leads to a decline in the body's ability to repair and regenerate tissues, which can prolong the healing process of wounds, including pressure ulcers. Older adults may experience delayed wound healing compared to younger individuals.
D. Increased elasticity of the skin - Skin elasticity decreases with age, making older adults more susceptible to skin breakdown and pressure ulcers due to reduced skin resilience and ability to redistribute pressure. Increased elasticity would not affect the course of treatment positively but rather negatively in this context.
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