An 82-year-old diabetic client is being treated in the hospital for a sacral pressure ulcer. What age-related change is most likely to affect the client's course of treatment?
Increased thickness of the subcutaneous skin layer
Changes in the character and quantity of bacterial skin flora
Increased time required for wound healing
Increased elasticity of the skin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Increased thickness of the subcutaneous skin layer - Aging typically results in thinning of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, making older adults more vulnerable to pressure ulcers rather than having increased thickness.
B. Changes in the character and quantity of bacterial skin flora - This is a common age-related change; however, it is not directly related to the course of treatment for a sacral pressure ulcer. Proper wound care can mitigate the impact of changes in skin flora.
C. Increased time required for wound healing - Aging often leads to a decline in the body's ability to repair and regenerate tissues, which can prolong the healing process of wounds, including pressure ulcers. Older adults may experience delayed wound healing compared to younger individuals.
D. Increased elasticity of the skin - Skin elasticity decreases with age, making older adults more susceptible to skin breakdown and pressure ulcers due to reduced skin resilience and ability to redistribute pressure. Increased elasticity would not affect the course of treatment positively but rather negatively in this context.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The findings of pale and cool skin on the lower legs, along with small circular ulcers on the soles of the feet, are indicative of arterial insufficiency. Arterial insufficiency occurs when there is a decreased blood flow to the extremities, often due to conditions such as atherosclerosis or peripheral arterial disease. This reduced blood flow can result in pale and cool skin, as well as the development of ulcers, which are typically round and have well-defined borders. It is essential to assess and manage arterial insufficiency promptly to prevent complications like tissue necrosis and gangrene.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Morse Scale:
The Morse Scale, also known as the Morse Fall Scale, is used to assess a patient's risk of falling. It evaluates various factors such as history of falling, secondary diagnosis, ambulatory aids, IV therapy, gait, and mental status. It is primarily focused on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.
B. Braden Scale:
As previously mentioned, the Braden Scale assesses a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers. It takes into account sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. The scale helps healthcare providers determine the level of risk a patient has for developing pressure sores and guides interventions to prevent them.
C. Bristol Scale:
The Bristol Stool Scale is used to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. It is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven categories. This scale is primarily used to assess bowel movements and is unrelated to pressure ulcers.
D. Hendrich II Scale:
The Hendrich II Fall Risk Model is a tool designed to identify patients at risk for falls. It includes factors such as confusion, symptomatic depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, and the use of antiepileptics, benzodiazepines, or non-opioid analgesics. Similar to the Morse Scale, it focuses on assessing the risk of falls, not pressure ulcers.

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