Which factor increases susceptibility to skin breakdown?

Which factor increases susceptibility to skin breakdown?

• A. Aging changes increase susceptibility to skin breakdown.
• B. Immobility has no effect on risk.
• C. Adequate nutrition eliminates risk.
• D. Moisturizing skin prevents all injuries.

Answer: (A)

Age-related changes in the skin increase susceptibility to breakdown. As people age, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, collagen and moisture decline, subcutaneous fat is reduced, and blood flow to the skin may diminish. These changes weaken the skin’s resilience and slow healing, so prolonged pressure, friction, or moisture can more easily cause ulcers or tears. Immobility does raise risk because keeping someone in one position for long periods decreases blood flow to areas over bony prominences, but saying it has no effect is incorrect. Adequate nutrition supports skin health and wound healing but does not completely eliminate risk. Moisturizing helps with dryness but does not prevent all injuries, since mechanical forces like pressure and shear can still cause breakdown.

Age-related changes in the skin increase susceptibility to breakdown. As people age, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic, collagen and moisture decline, subcutaneous fat is reduced, and blood flow to the skin may diminish. These changes weaken the skin’s resilience and slow healing, so prolonged pressure, friction, or moisture can more easily cause ulcers or tears.

Immobility does raise risk because keeping someone in one position for long periods decreases blood flow to areas over bony prominences, but saying it has no effect is incorrect. Adequate nutrition supports skin health and wound healing but does not completely eliminate risk. Moisturizing helps with dryness but does not prevent all injuries, since mechanical forces like pressure and shear can still cause breakdown.