What should be considered regarding changes in the skin of geriatric patients?

In geriatric patients, skin undergoes various changes that make it more susceptible to issues such as bruising. As individuals age, their skin tends to become thinner and lose fat and collagen, which contributes to increased fragility. This thinning makes the skin more prone to tearing and bruises with minor trauma that would not affect younger individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to be gentle when handling the skin of older adults to minimize the risk of causing bruising or other injuries.

The other choices reflect misunderstandings about the condition of geriatric skin. For instance, the misconception that geriatric skin is thicker is not accurate; it is actually thinner and more delicate. The idea that skin elasticity increases with age is also incorrect, as elasticity generally decreases, leading to sagging and a greater likelihood of skin injuries. Lastly, the notion that geriatric skin requires no special handling disregards the care that should be taken due to its increased sensitivity and fragility.