Test Bank for Healthy Aging Exam 2
11th Edition by Theris A. Touhy
What happens to the epidermis that is a normal part of aging? - ANSMelanocytes decrease
causing pale skin. Lentigenes appear which are age spots/liver spots
What happens to the dermis that is a normal part of aging? - ANSThickness decreases, there
are vascular changes causing fragile capillaries, stretch/elasticity decreases, sebum production
decreases, skin color and temp decreases, subcutaneous fat is reduced.
What happens to the hair that is a normal part of aging? - ANSColor changes, decreased
melanin production creates color changes, diffuse alopecia occurs in both genders such as
balding/thinning, loss in axilla, legs, increased in males, eyebrows, nose and ears.
What happens to the nails that is a normal part of aging? - ANSThe thickness changes and they
become brittle, flat, or concave with longitudinal striations.
Describe Xerosis - ANSIs means abnormally dry skin, assess for health status.
Interventions include humidity, fluid intake, hydration/dehydration, lubrication, water temp for
bathing, length of bathing, cleansing products, systemic disorders such as DM or renal disease.
Prevent by showering in luke warm water, shorter showers, avoid excessive water exposure,
gentle cleansers, pat skin dry, hydration etc.
Describe Pruitus - ANSA consequence of xerosis, severe itching of the skin. Caused by
perfumed products, fabric softeners etc.
Interventions include using skin creams and lotions, sunscreen used regularly, use mild bath
soap, avoid certain fabrics like wool, keep thermostat down in house, use humidifier.
Describe Lentigo - ANSA condition marked by small brown patches on the skin, typically in
elderly people.
Interventions include noninvasive topical creams, or specialized cream provided by a HCP.
Prevention-Avoid prolong exposure to sun, use sunscreen year round, take care of problem
areas, stick to healthy lifestyle and nutrition.
Describe Scabies - ANSThe mite and the egg, very contagious, look at skin appearance and
signs, skin scrapping.
Intervention includes meds and clothing and linen.
Describe Purpura - ANSOccurs when your blood vessels burst and blood pools under your skin,
resulting in spots.
, Treatment-some people heal without any treatment, or they include medications, a splenectomy
or to stop taking current medications.
Describe Seborrheic Keratoses - ANSSeborrheic keratoses is a common skin growth that is
benign, usually appears in middle or older adults. Dermatologist can remove for cosmetic
reasons.
Describe Actinic Kerastosis - ANSA precancerous lesion that is thought to be in the middle of
the spectrum between photoaging and squamous cell carcinoma
Doctors will keep an eye on this
List some prevention and care of skin tears - ANSIdentify high risk individuals, have individual
wear long sleeves or pants, provide a safe environment, lubricate skin with hypoallergenic
moisturizer twice daily, ensure adequate hydration and nutrition, perform careful transfers, pad
bed rails etc.
What is the etiology of Herpes Zoster - ANS"Shingles". Risk factors include immunosuppressed,
older adults with changes to immune system, history of chickenpox. A skin eruption along a
deratome, itching, tingling, pain several says pre-outbreak and during.
Care during outbreak- post herpertic neuralgia, antivirals, analgesics, vaccine. Keep rash
covered, do not touch or scratch, wash your hands often, until rash has developed crusts, avoid
contact with pregnant women, immunocompromised people and premature or low birth weight
infants.
What percent of older adults are at risk for malnutrition? - ANS40-60%.
What happens to taste perception as people age? - ANSTaste perception decreases (salty
sweet, role of sense of smell, smoking, medications, changes in sense of smell.)
What happens to mastication as people age? - ANSDecreased strength of muscles of
mastication.
What happens to teeth and dentures as people age? - ANSDecreased condition of teeth and
dentures.
What happens to saliva, thirst and xerostomia as people age? - ANSDecreased saliva, thirst
and xerostomia
What happens to LE sphincter, & digestive enzyme function as people age? - ANSDecreased
strength of LE sphincter, and decreased digestive enzyme function
What happens to gastric motility as people age? - ANSDecreases with delayed emptying,
atrophy of protective mucosa.