A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following findings places the client at risk for an incisional hematoma?

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:

The client who is unresponsive to verbal commands and changes position occasionally is at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are more likely to occur in clients who cannot independently reposition themselves. Unresponsive clients are unable to sense discomfort and adjust their positions, which makes them particularly vulnerable to pressure injuries. Changing position occasionally may not be sufficient to prevent these injuries in such clients. Pressure injuries are a result of prolonged pressure on a particular area, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues due to reduced blood flow. Clients who are unresponsive need more vigilant monitoring and frequent repositioning to prevent pressure injuries.

Choice B rationale:

The client who is alert and responsive and eats 25% of each meal is not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. While this client may have some nutritional concerns, the primary risk factor for pressure injuries is immobility or the inability to change position independently. The ability to eat some of each meal indicates at least some level of mobility and participation in activities of daily living, which can help reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

Choice C rationale:

The client who is receiving enteral feeding and can change position independently is not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Enteral feeding provides adequate nutrition, and the ability to change position independently reduces the risk of pressure injuries. Changing positions helps distribute pressure and prevents localized areas of prolonged pressure that can lead to tissue damage.

Choice D rationale:

The client who makes frequent slight changes in position and walks occasionally is also not at the highest risk for developing a pressure injury. Walking and frequent position changes help in preventing pressure injuries. The risk is lower for clients who can independently make slight changes in position and engage in ambulation. These activities promote blood flow and relieve pressure on specific areas of the body.