Question

during an assessment of skin turgor in an older client, the nurse discovers that skin tenting occurs when the skin is pinched on the clients forearm. what would the nurse do next? document this assessment finding. call another nurse to verify this finding. check skin turgor over the clients sternum. call the primary health care provider (phcp) to obtain a prescription for fluid replacement.

Explanation:

Skin turgor assessment in older clients: Skin elasticity decreases with age. Pinching the forearm may show tenting (a normal age - related change). To accurately assess hydration (as forearm tenting may be misleading), checking skin turgor over the sternum is a more reliable site for older adults.

Answer:

1. Check skin turgor over the client's sternum.