A nurse is assessing the skin of an older adult client. Which of the following findings is a normal age-related change in the integumentary system?
Increased skin vascularity.
Decreased skin fragility.
Increased sebaceous gland activity.
Decreased perspiration.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D.
Decreased perspiration. This is because the sweat glands become less active with aging, resulting in reduced sweating and dryness of the skin. Decreased perspiration can also affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and may cause heat intolerance.
Choice A is wrong because increased skin vascularity is not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system. In fact, the blood vessels in the skin become thinner and less elastic, resulting in decreased perfusion and a paler skin tone.
Choice B is wrong because decreased skin fragility is not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system. On the contrary, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to splitting, cracking, and infections due to reduced collagen and elastin production, decreased mitosis in the epidermis, and lowered immunity.
Choice C is wrong because increased sebaceous gland activity is not a normal age-related change in the integumentary system. Rather, the sebaceous glands produce less sebum, which contributes to the dryness and loss of moisture in the skin.
Normal ranges for some of the parameters related to the integumentary system are:.
• Skin thickness: varies depending on body location, but generally ranges from 0.5 mm to 4 mm.
• Skin elasticity: measured by the Cutometer device, which uses negative pressure to lift the skin and calculate its elasticity.
A higher value indicates more elastic skin. The average elasticity value for young adults is 0.82, while for older adults it is 0.57.
• Skin moisture: measured by the Corneometer device, which uses electrical capacitance to assess the hydration level of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin).
A higher value indicates more hydrated skin. The average moisture value for young adults is 62.8, while for older adults it is 51.3.
• Perspiration: measured by the Evaporimeter device, which uses a humidity sensor to detect the amount of water vapor lost from the skin surface.
A higher value indicates more perspiration. The average perspiration value for young adults is 13.9 g/m2/h, while for older adults it is 9.8 g/m2/h.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B.
Instruct the client to tuck their chin when swallowing.
This action helps to prevent aspiration by closing off the airway and directing food and liquid into the esophagus.It also reduces the risk of food getting stuck in the throat or chest.
Choice A is wrong because thin liquids are more difficult to swallow and control for clients who have dysphagia due to decreased esophageal motility.They can easily enter the airway and cause choking or pneumonia.
Choice C is wrong because hot or spicy foods can irritate the esophagus and worsen the symptoms of dysphagia.They can also trigger reflux, which can damage the esophageal lining and cause narrowing or inflammation.
Choice D is wrong because elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees during meals is not enough to prevent aspiration or regurgitation.The client should be sitting upright at 90 degrees or higher to facilitate swallowing and gravity.
Normal ranges for esophageal motility are:.
• Lower esophageal sphincter pressure: 10 to 45 mm Hg.
• Peristaltic amplitude: 30 to 180 mm Hg.
• Peristaltic duration: 2.5 to 6 seconds.
• Peristaltic velocity: 2 to 4.5 cm/s.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
“You should apply moisturizer to your skin after bathing.” This statement is based on the fact that dry skin is a common problem among older adults, especially in cold or dry weather.Applying moisturizer after bathing can help to lock in the moisture and prevent further water loss from the skin.
Choice A is wrong because drinking more water may not be enough to hydrate the skin if the skin barrier is impaired or damaged.Drinking water is important for overall health, but it does not directly affect the moisture content of the skin.
Choice B is wrong because avoiding soap and hot water when bathing may not be sufficient to prevent dry skin.
Soap can strip the natural oils from the skin, but so can hot water.It is recommended to use mild, non-soap cleansers and warm water instead of hot water when bathing.
Choice C is wrong because wearing layers of clothing to keep warm may not address the underlying cause of feeling cold.Older adults may feel cold more than usual due to various factors, such as thinning of the skin, decreased blood circulation, reduced muscle mass, or hormonal changes.
Wearing layers of clothing may help to maintain body temperature, but it does not treat the cause of feeling cold.
Normal ranges for skin moisture and body temperature vary depending on individual factors, such as age, health status, environment, and activity level.
However, some general guidelines are:.
• Skin moisture: The skin should feel soft and smooth, not rough or scaly.
The skin should not have cracks, flakes, or redness.The skin should have a normal color, not pale or grayish.
• Body temperature: The normal body temperature for adults is around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary slightly depending on the time of day, activity level, and other factors.A body temperature below 95°F (35°C) is considered hypothermia and requires immediate medical attention.
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