Author Question: When conducting a physical examination of the skin, hair, and nails, the nurse notes the age of the ... (Read 28 times)

Pea0909berry · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

When conducting a physical examination of the skin, hair, and nails, the nurse notes the age of the patient. Why is this information important to the nurse?

1. It alerts the nurse to expect age-related changes.
2. It validates that skin changes in the older population are pathologic.
3. It reminds the nurse that scaly, dry skin is more common in young adults.
4. It reinforces the concept that age is the most significant risk factor for cancer.

Question 2

The nurse is completing an integumentary examination with an African American patient. Which findings should the nurse recognize are associated with the patient's genetics?

Select all that apply.
1. an ashen hue to black skin
2. a yellowish cast on the palms
3. very dry scalp and dry, fragile hair
4. several keloids
5. patches of white spots on the hands

tkempin · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The nurse should expect findings related to the aging process. Skin changes related to the aging process are not always pathologic. The nurse must possess the knowledge of normal and abnormal findings for each age group. Age is not the most significant risk factor for cancer. Scaly, dry skin is not common in young adults.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5
Dry scalp and dry, fragile hair may have a genetic origin in African American individuals. Keloids also occur in African American individuals with a familial tendency. An ashen hue to the skin is a sign of anemia. A yellowish cast to the skin noticed on the palms may indicate jaundice. White patches, or vitiligo, often found over the skin of the face, hands, or groin, occur in individuals with a familial tendency.