A nurse is conducting a psychosocial assessment of an older adult client who has recently retired from work.

Which of the following questions should the nurse ask?

(Select all that apply.).

The correct answer is A.

Dehydration.

Poor skin turgor means that the skin takes longer to return to its normal position after being pinched or pulled.

This is a sign of dehydration, which means the body does not have enough fluid.

Dehydration can be caused by not drinking enough water, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, diabetes, or other conditions that affect fluid balance.

Choice B is wrong because malnutrition does not directly affect skin turgor.

Malnutrition means the body does not get enough nutrients from food.

This can cause various problems, such as weight loss, muscle wasting, poor wound healing, and infections.

However, malnutrition does not cause the skin to lose its elasticity.

Choice C is wrong because loss of subcutaneous fat does not cause poor skin turgor.

Subcutaneous fat is the layer of fat under the skin that helps insulate the body and store energy.

As people age, they tend to lose some subcutaneous fat, especially in the face and hands.

This can make the skin look thinner and more wrinkled, but it does not affect how quickly the skin snaps back after being pinched.

Choice D is wrong because reduced collagen fibers do not cause poor skin turgor.

Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and structure.

As people age, they produce less collagen, which can make the skin sag and lose firmness.

However, collagen does not affect the skin’s ability to retain water and return to its normal shape after being stretched.

Normal ranges for skin turgor vary depending on the age and location of the skin.

In general, healthy skin should return to its normal position within 2 seconds after being pinched.

In children and young adults, skin turgor can be tested on the abdomen or forearm.In elderly people, skin turgor can be tested on the clavicle (collar bone), sternum (breastbone), forehead, or inner thigh.These sites are less affected by skin wrinkling and aging.

The correct answer isA, B, C, D, and E.

All of these questions are relevant for conducting a psychosocial assessment of an older adult client who has recently retired from work.A psychosocial assessment is a process for learning about a client’s problems and needs, so that together you can create therapy goals and a plan for recovery.The information-gathering process should allow you to learn more about the client as a person, beyond just a diagnosis.

• Choice A is correct because it explores how the client feels about their retirement, which can be a major life transition that affects their identity, self-esteem, and sense of purpose.

• Choice B is correct because it assesses the client’s interests and hobbies, which can provide sources of enjoyment, stimulation, and meaning in their life.

• Choice C is correct because it evaluates the client’s social support network, which can influence their mental health, well-being, and coping skills.

• Choice D is correct because it identifies the client’s stressors and challenges, which can affect their mood, functioning, and quality of life.

• Choice E is correct because it examines the client’s physical and mental health issues, which can impact their ability to perform daily activities, manage their emotions, and adhere to treatment plans.

A comprehensive geriatric assessment is a multidimensional process designed to assess the functional ability, health (physical, cognitive, and mental), and socioenvironmental situation of older people.The comprehensive geriatric assessment specifically and thoroughly evaluates functional and cognitive abilities, social support, financial status, and environmental factors, as well as physical and mental health.Ideally, a regular examination of older patients incorporates many aspects of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, making the two approaches very similar.