6.5 Lifespan Considerations

Newborns

The assessment of newborn skin depends on the weeks of gestation at time of delivery and includes many unique findings. Detailed lifespan considerations for newborns can be reviewed through the following link: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002301.htm

Pediatrics

Rashes are a common finding in children and often require extensive analysis with thorough subjective data. The following guide developed by an Australian health care agency depicts a visual method with alerts during assessment of childhood rashes: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002301.htm

Older Adults

Older adults have several changes associated with aging that are apparent during assessment of the integumentary system. They often have cardiac and circulatory system conditions that cause decreased perfusion, resulting in cool hands and feet. They have decreased elasticity and fragile skin that often tears more easily. The blood vessels of the dermis become more fragile, leading to bruising and bleeding under the skin. The subcutaneous fat layer thins, so it has less insulation and padding and reduced ability to maintain body temperature. Growths such as skin tags, rough patches (keratoses), skin cancers, and other lesions are more common. Older adults may also be less able to sense touch, pressure, vibration, heat, and cold.

Attribution

Material in this section was adapted from Nursing Skills – 2e by Chippewa Valley Technical College and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.