Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What skin issue is associated with increased capillary fragility in older skin?

1. Decreased melanin production

2. Increased bruising and injury

3. Reduced skin elasticity

4. Increased sweating

The correct answer is: Increased bruising and injury

Increased bruising and injury is indeed linked to the phenomenon of capillary fragility in older skin. As individuals age, the skin undergoes various changes, including a decrease in collagen and elastin fibers, which are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels. The result is that the capillaries become more fragile and susceptible to breakage, leading to easy bruising, even with minimal trauma. This increased bruising can occur because the skin's protective barrier becomes thinner, and the subcutaneous tissue that cushions blood vessels diminishes, making injuries more likely. Other options do not directly relate to capillary fragility. Decreased melanin production plays a role in pigmentation but does not influence the integrity of blood vessels. Reduced skin elasticity contributes to overall skin aging and may affect the appearance and resilience of the skin, but it is not primarily responsible for capillary fragility or bruising. Increased sweating is generally a function of sweat glands and does not correlate with capillary integrity or fragility directly, especially in the context of aging skin. Thus, the association between increased bruising and injury with capillary fragility highlights the vulnerability of older skin.