Author Question: A gerontological nurse is aware of the changes in the structure and function of the skin and ... (Read 56 times)

pepyto · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

A gerontological nurse is aware of the changes in the structure and function of the skin and accessory glands that occur with aging. Which of the following changes is a normal accompaniment to the aging process?

A) Thickening of collagen in the dermal layers of the skin
B) Cessation of eccrine and apocrine sweat gland function
C) Increase in the number of melanocytes in the epidermis
D) Decrease in the vascular bed of the dermis

Question 2

One of the functional consequences of age-related changes to the skin is an increased susceptibility to injury. Which of the following factors contributes to this susceptibility? (Select all that apply.)

A) Decreased sensation of cutaneous pain and discomfort
B) Changes in vitamin D synthesis
C) Increased healing time for skin wounds
D) Decreased resistance to shearing forces
E) Changes in skin pigmentation

SAUXC · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
The dermal vascular bed decreases by about one-third with increased age; this contributes to the atrophy and fibrosis of hair bulbs and sweat and sebaceous glands. However, sweat glands do not wholly stop functioning. Collagen tends to thin rather than thicken, and the number of melanocytes in the epidermis decreases.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A, C, D
A muted pain response, increased healing time, and decreased resistance to shearing all contribute to older adults' susceptibility to injury. Changes in vitamin D may occur with age, but these changes do not constitute a risk for injury. Similarly, changes in pigmentation are not a significant risk factor for injury.