Which is not a risk factor for pressure injuries?

Choice A reason: Head protrusions are not expected in older adults; they may indicate abnormal growths or trauma, requiring investigation. Thinning hair is a normal aging change. Assuming protrusions are expected risks missing serious conditions like tumors, delaying diagnosis and treatment critical for ensuring safety in elderly patients.

Choice B reason: Asymmetry of facial features is not a normal aging variation; it may suggest stroke or Bell’s palsy, needing urgent evaluation. Thinning hair is expected due to hormonal changes. Assuming asymmetry is normal risks overlooking neurological issues, delaying interventions critical for older adults’ health and functional outcomes.

Choice C reason: Thinning hair is an expected aging variation, resulting from reduced hair follicle activity and hormonal changes in older adults. Unlike vertigo or asymmetry, it’s benign and doesn’t require intervention unless cosmetic. Recognizing this ensures accurate assessment, focusing on abnormal findings like vertigo that need medical attention in elderly patients.

Choice D reason: Vertigo is not an expected aging variation; it may indicate inner ear disorders or neurological issues, requiring evaluation. Thinning hair is a normal change. Assuming vertigo is expected risks delaying diagnosis of treatable conditions like BPPV, compromising safety and quality of life in older adults.

Choice A reason: Palpating tender areas first may cause patient discomfort and guarding, reducing assessment accuracy. Palpation uses the palmar side or finger pads, starting with non-tender areas. Assuming this risks poor technique, potentially missing subtle findings like masses or edema, critical for comprehensive physical assessment in clinical practice.

Choice B reason: Palpation uses the palmar side of the hands or finger pads for light or deep touch to assess texture, tenderness, or masses. This technique ensures sensitivity and accuracy, detecting abnormalities like organ enlargement or fluid accumulation. Proper palpation is essential for thorough physical exams, guiding diagnosis and care planning effectively.

Choice C reason: Short, quick taps define percussion, not palpation, which involves sustained touch to assess underlying structures. Confusing these techniques risks incorrect assessment, missing findings like organ size or tenderness. Palpation’s distinct method using finger pads ensures accurate detection, critical for identifying abnormalities in physical examinations.

Choice D reason: Using a stethoscope is for auscultation, not palpation, which relies on manual touch with finger pads or palms. Assuming stethoscope use misaligns with palpation’s purpose, risking incomplete assessment of tactile findings like masses or swelling, essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient care planning.