According to Erickson’s psychosocial theory of development, Eloise enters the play stage, in which she is able to gain initiative and independence (Shaffer, 2012,p.42). On the contrary, if her initiatives are ineffective through denunciation, Eloise is capable of experiencing a sense of guilt (Engler, 2013,p.145; Jennifer et al, 2014, p.57). While on the other hand, Franklin enters the final stage of adulthood and reflects back at life with either a sense of integrity or despair over unfulfilled ambitions (Shaffer, 2012, p.42). Thus, the nursing staff must consider the patient’s age and developmental factors when delivering nursing care. Maintaining skin integrity for Eloise and Franklin is crucial to prevent skin tears, pressure ulcers, …show more content…
Where Eloise uses nappies due to the severity of the diarrhoea, Franklin is usually continent. Thus, Eloise’s skin is more prone to overhydration whereas, due to aging, Franklin’s skin is more dry and fragile (Lazare, 2015, p.18). As a result, the nursing staff must educate Franklin about the changes and risks to skin caused by aging, to motivate and implement a skin care routine. For example, applying a pH-neutral moisturiser or barrier cream at least twice a day to dry areas of the skin (Gibb, 2012, p.762). This is particularly imperative for Franklin because his skin retains less moisture due to the decrease number of sebaceous glands and the output of sebum (Carter, 2007, p.498). As aging occurs, an elderly person’s sensory perception decreases (Gibb, 2012, p.758). Nursing staff must closely monitor skin changes such as the development of skin tears as this can lead to further breakdown of skin (Gibb, 2012, …show more content…
As Franklin’s physical health restrains himself from mobilising, nurses must reposition him every two hours daily (Gibb, 2012,p.793, 794; Takahashi, et al, 2010, p.2). Nursing staff must also employ proper reposition techniques to decrease pressure injury formations (Fraser, 2015). Due to aging Franklin’s cell division and circulation to the dermis declines causing prolonged healing of skin injuries and a higher risk for skin infections to develop (Carter, 2007, p.498). The act of repositioning Franklin would promote circulation, redistribution of pressure and decrease extended contact to friction and pressure (Gibb,