Question

An older adult client's postoperative abdominal wound is still healing weeks after the surgery. The client asks the clinic nurse why the wound is healing so slowly. Which factors should the nurse identify that negatively affect healing in older adults? Select all that apply.

a) Vascular changes
b) Nutritional status
c) Decreased activity
d) Keloid formation
e) Nutrient absorption

Answer 1

Factors such as vascular changes, nutritional status, and nutrient absorption can negatively impact wound healing in older adults. Decreased activity can also contribute, whereas keloid formation is not typically considered an age-related factor in this context.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify vascular changes, nutritional status, and nutrient absorption as factors that negatively affect healing in older adults. Due to aging, there are reductions in blood circulation and metabolism, which can restrict the supply of nutrients and oxygen crucial for wound repair. This, paired with the possibility of compromised nutritional intake or poor absorption of nutrients, can make healing slower.

Older adults also tend to have decreased activity levels, which can contribute to slower healing, as motion promotes blood flow and wound healing. However, keloid formation is not age-dependent and is more related to individual skin characteristics and genetic factors. Still, it is not typically considered a factor that contributes to delayed wound healing and was not mentioned as a factor linked to aging in the provided reference material.