Question

When assessing an older adult patient, the nurse observed general wrinkles, sagging breasts, and tenting of the skin; gray hair; and thick brittle toenails. What age-related changes can cause these changes in the integumentary system?

a. Decreased activity of apocrine and sebaceous glands, decreased density of hair, and increased keratin in nails
b. Decreased extracellular water, surface lipids, and sebaceous gland activity; decreased scalp oil; and decreased circulation
c. Muscle laxity, degeneration of elastic fibers, collagen stiffening, decreased melanin, and decreased peripheral blood supply
d. Increased capillary fragility and permeability, cumulative androgen effect and decreasing estrogen levels, and decreased circulation

Answer 1

Age-related changes in the integumentary system that cause wrinkles, sagging skin, gray hair, and brittle nails include muscle laxity, degeneration of elastic fibers, decreased melanin production, and decreased peripheral blood supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

The age-related changes in the integumentary system that can cause observed symptoms such as general wrinkles, sagging breasts, tenting of the skin, gray hair, and thick brittle toenails in an older adult patient include: muscle laxity, degeneration of elastic fibers, collagen stiffening, decreased melanin, and decreased peripheral blood supply. These changes contribute to the loss of elasticity and resilience of the skin, palpable in the thinning and sagging skin, and wrinkling due to breakdown in the skin's structure. Hair turns gray because follicles produce less melanin, and collagen and elastin production in the dermis decreases, affecting the overall tone and strength of the skin and muscles underneath. Thicker, more brittle nails are the result of increased keratin and changes in nail growth. Decreased sebaceous gland activity contributes to less oil on the scalp and skin, further contributing to the appearance of aging.