The nurse is caring for an 84-year-old patient. Which finding would be expected?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Decreased skin elasticity is an expected finding in an 84-year-old, as aging reduces collagen and elastin, causing thinner, less resilient skin. This physiological change increases wrinkling and fragility, making it a common and anticipated sign in elderly patients. Choice B reason: Increased muscle strength is not expected in an 84-year-old, as aging leads to sarcopenia, reducing muscle mass and strength. This causes weakness and mobility issues, making this an incorrect finding for an elderly patient’s typical presentation. Choice C reason: Enhanced night vision is not typical in aging; older adults often experience reduced night vision due to retinal changes and slower pupil adaptation. This makes night vision an incorrect expected finding for an 84-year-old patient. Choice D reason: Improved short-term memory is not expected, as aging often impairs short-term memory due to neuronal loss and slower cognitive processing. Memory decline is common in the elderly, making this an incorrect finding for an 84-year-old.