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?
The patient's integumentary system is within normal limits for his age
The patient may have a metabolic condition causing him to feel cold
The patient has abnormal thinning of skin
The patient should have elastic turgor
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Posterior superior iliac spine: While this landmark is useful for certain assessments, it is more commonly used to identify pelvic alignment rather than symmetry of the spine itself.
B) Iliac crests: The iliac crests serve as an important anatomical landmark for assessing symmetry in the posterior spine. By comparing the heights of the iliac crests on both sides, the nurse can determine any asymmetry in the pelvis and, by extension, the spine, as uneven heights may indicate spinal deformities.
C) Paravertebral muscles: While assessing the paravertebral muscles can provide information about muscle tone and potential asymmetries, they are not direct landmarks for evaluating overall spinal symmetry.
D) Twelfth thoracic vertebrae: Although identifying specific vertebrae is important for certain assessments, the twelfth thoracic vertebra is not commonly used as a primary landmark for assessing symmetry in the spine. It is more useful for locating the general area of the thoracic spine.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Barrel Chest: This term describes a condition where the anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest is equal to the transverse diameter, giving the chest a rounded appearance. This finding is often observed in older adults or individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, and it indicates a potential increase in lung volume and air trapping, commonly seen in conditions like emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
B) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: While barrel chest can be associated with COPD, it is not a direct descriptor of the chest shape. COPD encompasses various symptoms and physiological changes but does not specifically define the chest's physical appearance as barrel-shaped.
C) Anterior/Posterior Distortion: This term does not accurately describe the findings observed in the assessment. While it suggests some alteration in chest shape, it does not specifically refer to the characteristic appearance of barrel chest, which is a well-defined clinical term.
D) Lordosis: This refers to an excessive inward curve of the spine, particularly in the lumbar region. While it may affect posture and overall body alignment, it does not relate to the chest shape or measurements, making it an inappropriate choice in this context.