WGU D444: Adult Health -Aging Effects on Sikin
|Nails &Hair | OA| Objective Assessment Exam
Adult Health 1 (Western Governors University)
, a. Describe changes to the skin, hair, and nails that are most associated with aging and
discuss how these changes can affect nursing care.
Our skin, hair, and nails undergo many changes as we age. Our skin becomes thinner, drier, and
more fragile. It may bruise more easily and take longer to heal. Wrinkles and age spots are also
common.
Our hair tends to thin out and turn gray or white. Some people may lose hair in certain areas.
Nails can grow more slowly and become brittle or ridged.
These changes matter in nursing care because older adults may need extra gentleness and
attention. For example, as a nurse, I must be careful when moving or cleaning an older person to
avoid tearing their delicate skin. Wounds also need close monitoring since healing can be slower.
Hair and nail care need to be more regular and gentler to help maintain patients' comfort and
dignity.
b. List five causes of fluid volume deficit and manifestations that the nurse would assess in
the patient.
As a nurse, I will watch out for these signs:
Vomiting – Losing fluids through throwing up.
Diarrhea – Fluids are lost quickly with frequent bowel movements.
Excessive sweating – Like during a fever or intense exercise without drinking enough water.
Bleeding – Losing blood from an injury or surgery also means losing fluid.
|Nails &Hair | OA| Objective Assessment Exam
Adult Health 1 (Western Governors University)
, a. Describe changes to the skin, hair, and nails that are most associated with aging and
discuss how these changes can affect nursing care.
Our skin, hair, and nails undergo many changes as we age. Our skin becomes thinner, drier, and
more fragile. It may bruise more easily and take longer to heal. Wrinkles and age spots are also
common.
Our hair tends to thin out and turn gray or white. Some people may lose hair in certain areas.
Nails can grow more slowly and become brittle or ridged.
These changes matter in nursing care because older adults may need extra gentleness and
attention. For example, as a nurse, I must be careful when moving or cleaning an older person to
avoid tearing their delicate skin. Wounds also need close monitoring since healing can be slower.
Hair and nail care need to be more regular and gentler to help maintain patients' comfort and
dignity.
b. List five causes of fluid volume deficit and manifestations that the nurse would assess in
the patient.
As a nurse, I will watch out for these signs:
Vomiting – Losing fluids through throwing up.
Diarrhea – Fluids are lost quickly with frequent bowel movements.
Excessive sweating – Like during a fever or intense exercise without drinking enough water.
Bleeding – Losing blood from an injury or surgery also means losing fluid.
