The nurse notes these abnormalities on the skin of a 95-year-old patient who is being admitted to an assisted living facility. Which abnormality is the priority to discuss immediately with the health care provider?

Question

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Petechiae are caused by pinpoint hemorrhages and are associated with a variety of serious disorders such as meningitis and coagulopathies. The nurse should contact the patient's health care provider about this finding for further diagnostic follow-up. The other skin changes are associated with aging. Although the other changes also will require ongoing monitoring or intervention by the nurse, they do not indicate a need for urgent action.

The Nurse Notes These Abnormalities on the Skin of a 95-Year-Old