A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dry skin and complains of feeling cold.

Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

The correct answer is A.

Increased anteroposterior diameter.

This is a normal age-related change in the thorax that results from changes in the bones and muscles of the chest and spine.The ribcage becomes less flexible and more rounded, which increases the front-to-back dimension of the chest.

This can affect the lung function and breathing capacity of older adults.

Choice B is wrong because decreased kyphosis means reduced curvature of the spine, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, kyphosis tends to increase with aging due to osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures.

Choice C is wrong because increased lung expansion means greater ability to fill the lungs with air, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, lung expansion tends to decrease with aging due to loss of elasticity and shape of the air sacs (alveoli) and weakening of the respiratory muscles.

Choice D is wrong because decreased calcification means reduced deposition of calcium in the tissues, which is not a normal age-related change.In fact, calcification tends to increase with aging, especially in the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum.

This can make the chest wall more rigid and less compliant.

Normal ranges for anteroposterior diameter vary depending on age, sex, height and weight, but generally it should be less than the transverse diameter (the side-to-side dimension of the chest).

A ratio of anteroposterior to transverse diameter greater than 0.9 is considered abnormal and may indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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.