A nurse is performing an admission assessment for an older adult client. Which finding places the client at risk for a skin infection?

Choice A reason: Loss of elasticity in the skin is a normal age-related change due to decreased collagen and elastin. While it contributes to fragility, it does not directly predispose the client to infection. Choice B reason: Deepening of expression lines is a cosmetic change associated with aging. It reflects repetitive facial muscle use and reduced skin elasticity but does not increase infection risk. Choice C reason: Fissures are cracks or breaks in the skin barrier. They provide a direct entry point for pathogens, significantly increasing the risk of skin infection. This is the most clinically relevant finding for infection risk in older adults. Choice D reason: Wrinkling of the skin is another normal age-related change due to reduced collagen and subcutaneous fat. While it affects appearance and elasticity, it does not inherently predispose the client to infection.