A nurse is caring for a client who has phantom limb pain.
The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which type of pain?

Choice A rationale:

Increased collagen. Increased collagen is not a risk factor for pressure injuries. Collagen provides strength and support to the skin and tissues, which can be protective against pressure injuries by maintaining tissue integrity.

Choice B rationale:

Decreased circulation. Decreased circulation is a significant risk factor for pressure injuries. When blood flow to a specific area is reduced, it can lead to tissue ischemia, which makes the tissue more vulnerable to pressure damage. The lack of oxygen and nutrients from reduced circulation impairs the skin's ability to withstand pressure, increasing the risk of pressure injury development.

Choice C rationale:

Increased muscle mass. While having increased muscle mass can offer some protection against pressure injuries due to the added support and padding, it is not a primary risk factor for developing pressure injuries. In fact, individuals with increased muscle mass may be less prone to pressure injuries because their muscle tissue helps distribute pressure more evenly.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased serum calcium. Decreased serum calcium levels can affect muscle function and bone health but are not a direct risk factor for pressure injuries. Pressure injuries primarily result from sustained pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, often due to immobility and other factors. Calcium levels are not directly related to the development of pressure injuries.

Choice A rationale:

An increase in skin thinning is not a typical age-related change in the skin. In older adults, skin tends to become thinner due to a decrease in subcutaneous tissue, making it more fragile and susceptible to damage.

Choice B rationale:

An increase in skin elasticity is not a common characteristic of aging skin. In fact, older adults often experience a decrease in skin elasticity, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Choice D rationale:

While there may be changes in blood supply to the skin as people age, an increase in blood supply is not a well-established or typical age-related change. Decreased blood flow to the skin is more common in older adults.

Choice E rationale:

Decrease in skin hydration is a common age-related change, but it's not the most significant change mentioned in the question. The primary focus in older adults is the decrease in subcutaneous tissue, which has a more direct impact on skin health.