Fundamentals of Nursing Q 281
The nurse should recognize that all of the following physical changes of the head and face are associated with the aging client except:
A. Pronounced wrinkles on the face.
B. Decreased size of the nose and ears.
C. Increased growth of facial hair.
D. Neck wrinkles.
Correct Answer: B. Decreased size of the nose and ears.
The nose and ears of the aging client actually become longer and broader. The chin line is also altered. Height doesn’t change after puberty (well, if anything we get shorter as we age) but ears and noses are always lengthening. That’s due to gravity, not actual growth. As people age, gravity causes the cartilage in the ears and nose to break down and sag. This results in droopier, longer features.
Option A: Wrinkles on the face become more pronounced and tend to take on the general mood of the client over the years. For example laugh or frown wrinkles above the eyebrows, lips, cheeks, and outer edges of the eye orbit.
Option C: The change in the androgen-estrogen ratio causes an increase in growth of facial hair in most older adults. Women develop excessive body or facial hair due to higher-than-normal levels of androgens, including testosterone. All females produce androgens, but the levels typically remain low.
Option D: The aging process shortens the platysma muscle, which contributes to neck wrinkles. Some amount of neck wrinkling is inevitable. The extent of the necklines and other signs of aging skin are determined in part by genetics. Necklines and wrinkles are a normal part of aging. They’re caused in part by skin losing elasticity and being exposed to UV light over time.