Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a class about expected changes to the skin in older adults. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Correct answer
A, C, E
Rationale
The epidermis becomes thinner and more fragile with age, making the skin of older adults more prone to injury, bruising, and infections (A). Skin elasticity decreases due to loss of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles (B is incorrect). Subcutaneous tissue decreases with age, not increases, contributing to thinner skin (C is correct). Blood supply to the skin decreases due to narrower, less efficient blood vessels (D is incorrect). Sebum production decreases, leading to reduced skin hydration (E is correct).