Question

Because the skin of older patients has reduced elasticity and is thinner, the nurse should protect the patient's skin from injury during dressing removal by pushing the skin away from the adhesive. Pulling the skin from the adhesive, pulling the adhesive from the skin, and pushing the adhesive away from the skin may tear the patient's skin.

Considering the skin characteristics of older patients, how should the nurse protect the patient's skin during dressing removal?

a) Pulling the skin away from the adhesive
b) Pushing the adhesive away from the skin
c) Pulling the adhesive from the skin
d) Pushing the skin away from the adhesive

Answer 1

The nurse should protect an older patient's skin during dressing removal by pushing the skin away from the adhesive to prevent tearing and injury due to the skin's reduced elasticity and thinness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the characteristics of older patients' skin, such as reduced elasticity and thinness due to aging, the nurse should protect the patient's skin during dressing removal by pushing the skin away from the adhesive. This technique minimizes trauma and potential tearing of the skin, which is more fragile in the elderly due to factors like decreased collagen and elastin production, as well as a reduction in the regenerative capacity of the dermis. Performing this action carefully can help prevent skin injury and promote better wound healing in older patients, taking into consideration their more delicate integumentary system.