When caring for a geriatric client, the nurse must remember that the following change occurs as an individual ages:
1. Subcutaneous tissue decreases.
2. Both the epidermis and the dermis thicken.
3. The number of Merkel's cells and Langerhans' cells increases.
4. Sebaceous gland activity increases.
Subcutaneous tissue decreases
Rationale: Sebaceous gland activity decreases, resulting in the older individual having drier and more scaly skin. Both the epidermis and the dermis thin, making skin more susceptible to breakdown. The subcutaneous tissue decreases, so the client has less padding, which also makes the chance of skin breakdown greater. The number of Merkel's cells and Langerhans' cells decreases, which causes the older client to be more susceptible to infection.
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