Foot Care for Elderly Patients Flashcards

Which age-related change most increases the risk of nail pathology in elderly patients?

Answer: Reduced peripheral circulation, thinner epidermis, and slower nail regeneration

Aging reduces peripheral blood flow, thins the protective skin barrier, and slows nail growth and healing, increasing susceptibility to infection, trauma, and chronic nail deformities.

When assessing footwear in an elderly patient, the primary concern is:

Answer: Fit, adequate toe box depth and width, non-slip sole, and ease of fastening

Poorly fitting footwear is the leading cause of nail and foot problems in elderly patients; proper fit prevents pressure injury, nail deformity, and falls.

Which skin finding is most commonly observed on the feet of elderly patients during assessment?

Answer: Xerosis (dry skin), fissuring, and loss of subcutaneous fat padding

Aging skin loses sebaceous and sweat gland function, subcutaneous fat, and elasticity, resulting in dry, fragile skin prone to fissuring, particularly on the heels.

The term 'digital ischemia' in elderly foot care refers to:

Answer: Insufficient blood supply to the toes causing tissue damage, pain, or non-healing wounds

Digital ischemia results from peripheral artery disease or small vessel disease, causing reduced oxygen delivery to toe tissue, increasing ulceration and gangrene risk.

Orthopedic footwear for elderly patients with foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes) should provide:

Answer: A wide, deep toe box to accommodate deformities without pressure, with cushioned insoles

Accommodative orthopedic footwear protects bony prominences and toe deformities from pressure-induced ulceration while providing shock absorption.

Heel fissures in elderly patients are best managed with:

Answer: Mechanical debridement of hyperkeratosis followed by application of a high-concentration urea (20–40%) emollient

Deep heel fissures require removal of hyperkeratotic tissue followed by regular urea cream application to hydrate and soften the area, preventing recurrence and potential infection.