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?

The correct answer is A, B, C, and E.These statements reflect the respiratory system changes that occur with aging, such as decreased respiratory muscle strength, decreased lung elasticity and recoil, decreased cough and gag reflexes, and decreased ciliary action and mucus production.

These changes can impair gas exchange, increase the risk of infections, and reduce exercise capacity.

Choice D is wrong because it states the opposite of what happens with aging.

Vital capacity is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation.

Residual volume is the amount of air that remains in the lungs after a maximum exhalation.With aging, vital capacity decreases and residual volume increases due to the loss of lung elasticity and airway closure.

This reduces the amount of fresh air that can enter the lungs and increases the amount of stale air that remains in the lungs.

The correct answer isD.

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 becauseincreased skin vascularityis 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 becausedecreased skin fragilityis 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 becauseincreased sebaceous gland activityis 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.