When completing a physical exam of an elderly client which of the following assessment findings would the nurse recognize as a priority need for further follow-up?
1. Bilateral atrophy noted in upper arms and shoulders
2. Edema in the periorbital area
3. Increased fat around abdomen
4. Slight outward curvature of the thoracic spine
2
Rationale: The aging effect of altered body composition would be a decrease in total body water. Edema is not a normal assessment finding in the absence of other pathophysiologic cause. A normal change in aging includes a decrease in muscle mass; therefore bilateral atrophy in biceps and triceps, as well as the deltoid muscle, would be a normal change. Increase in abdominal fat mass is a normal sign of aging. Decrease in bone mineral loss is common in elderly and often presents as Kyphosis or loss of height from vertebral compression.
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