The nurse is caring for an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease who is ambulatory but requires total assistance with his activities of daily living (ADLs). The nurse notices that his skin is dry and wrinkled. The nurse should

a. Make sure that the patient is receiving daily baths.
b. Reduce the number of baths per week if possible.
c. Be aware that sweat glands become more active with aging.
d. Be sure that the patient is using soap with his bath.


ANS: B
Decreasing the number of baths per week may help prevent further drying of the skin. As people age, the skin loses its resiliency and moisture, and sebaceous and sweat glands become less active. Daily bathing as well as bathing with water that is too hot or soap that is harsh causes the skin to become excessively dry.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

One-person CPR principles, as taught and practiced by professional nurses, require that the initial intervention for an unconscious patient who is not breathing is to:

1. lift the jaw to clear the airway. 2. call for assistance. 3. start chest compressions. 4. make two rescue breaths.

Nursing

Parents tell the nurse that their 1-year-old son often sleeps with them. They seem unconcerned about this. The nurse's response should be based on the knowledge that:

a. Children should not sleep with their parents. b. Separation from parents should be completed by this age. c. Daytime attention should be increased. d. This is a common and accepted practice, especially in some cultural groups.

Nursing

Excessive anxiety during labor heightens the woman's sensitivity to pain by increasing:

a. muscle tension. b. blood flow to the uterus. c. the pain threshold. d. rest time between contractions.

Nursing

What should be the major consideration when selecting toys for a child with an intellectual or developmental disability?

a. Safety b. Age appropriateness c. Ability to provide exercise d. Ability to teach useful skills

Nursing