The nurse assessing a 90-year-old patient notes that his skin is thin and turgor is non-elastic. The patient states that he always seems to be cold. What does the nurse know about these assessment findings?

A) The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age: While thinning skin and decreased turgor can be common in older adults, the specific combination of findings, including the patient feeling cold, suggests that further investigation is warranted rather than assuming they are normal.
B) The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold: Thin skin and non-elastic turgor can be indicative of aging, but the sensation of always feeling cold may point to an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism or poor circulation, which can affect thermoregulation.

C) The patient has abnormal thinning of skin: While skin thinning is common in older adults, it is not necessarily "abnormal" in the context of aging. However, in conjunction with other symptoms like non-elastic turgor and cold sensitivity, it may warrant further evaluation.

D) The patient should have elastic turgor: In older adults, it is common to see decreased elasticity and turgor of the skin. Therefore, expecting the patient to have elastic turgor may not be appropriate, as it reflects the natural aging process rather than a healthy standard.

A) Notify the healthcare provider that the client is exaggerating their pain: It is inappropriate for the nurse to assume that the client is exaggerating their pain based solely on their demeanor. Pain perception is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals, especially in conditions like sickle cell anemia.

B) Wait 30 minutes and see if the client is still requesting pain medication: Delaying pain relief can lead to unnecessary suffering. Given that the client rates their pain as a 7 out of 10, which indicates significant discomfort, it is essential to address their pain promptly rather than postponing treatment.

C) Administer the pain medication as prescribed: This is the most appropriate action. Clients with sickle cell anemia often experience severe pain crises, and effective pain management is crucial. Administering the medication as prescribed supports the client's comfort and well-being.

D) Administer half of the ordered dose of pain medication: Modifying the dosage without a provider's order is not appropriate. If the full prescribed dose is warranted based on the pain level, the nurse should administer it as indicated to ensure effective pain management.