When Conducting a Physical Examination of the Skin, Hair, and Nails

Multiple Choice

When conducting a physical examination of the skin, hair, and nails, the nurse notes the age of the patient. Why is this information important to the nurse?

A) It alerts the nurse to expect age-related changes.
B) It validates that skin changes in the older population are pathologic.
C) It reminds the nurse that scaly, dry skin is more common in young adults.
D) It reinforces the concept that age is the most significant risk factor for cancer.