A nurse is teaching a class about expected physiological changes in older adult clients.
Which of the following changes should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Increased sensitivity to touch is not typically an age-related change in older adults. In fact, older adults often experience a decrease in sensitivity due to factors like reduced skin elasticity and changes in nerve function.

Choice C rationale:

Increased peripheral vision is not a common age-related change. Visual changes in older adults usually involve decreased visual acuity, difficulties with night vision, and increased sensitivity to glare.

Choice D rationale:

An increase in the size of pupils is not an expected age-related change. Pupils may become smaller and react more sluggishly to changes in light in older adults, but a consistent increase in pupil size is not a common finding.

Choice B rationale:

An increase in cerumen in the ear canal is a common age-related change. Cerumen, or earwax, can accumulate more in older adults due to changes in the composition of earwax and slower migration of earwax out of the ear canal. It can lead to hearing difficulties and may need management. Moving on to the last question.

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.