Question

Inspection of an obese, female patient reveals the presence of a foul odor that emanates from the patient's abdominal skin folds. The nurse would suspect that the odor is most likely caused by

A. Ecchymosis.
B. Colonization by yeast or bacteria.
C. Age-related integumentary changes.
D. Atrophy of the skin under the abdominal folds.

Answer 1

A foul odor from abdominal skin folds is likely due to colonization by yeast or bacteria, exacerbated by poor hygiene and the warm environment of skin folds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of a foul odor emanating from the patient's abdominal skin folds is most likely caused by B. Colonization by yeast or bacteria. This condition can occur due to poor hygiene and the warm, moist environment of skin folds can facilitate the growth of these microorganisms. Good hygiene practices are essential to prevent such infections and to maintain healthy skin. Conditions like obesity can exacerbate the risk because of larger, deeper skin folds that may be more difficult to keep clean. These bacteria feed on these materials and cause body odor. Therefore, the presence of foul odor in the patient's abdominal skin folds suggests a bacterial or yeast infection in that area.

Answer 2

The foul odor emanating from the patient's abdominal skin folds is most likely caused by colonization by yeast or bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The foul odor emanating from the patient's abdominal skin folds is most likely caused by colonization by yeast or bacteria (Option B).

Body odor occurs when sweat, oil, dirt, dust, and dead skin cells build up on the skin surface and encourage the excess growth of bacteria. These bacteria feed on these substances and cause a smell commonly known as body odor.

In this case, the folds of the patient's abdominal skin provide a warm and moist environment, which is ideal for the growth of bacteria and yeast. The excess growth of these microorganisms can lead to the foul odor.