For an older adult reporting dry, flaky skin, what intervention should the nurse complete?

The appropriate intervention for an older adult reporting dry, flaky skin is to conduct a hydration assessment. Assessing skin turgor is an important part of evaluating hydration status in older adults, as their skin may lose elasticity due to aging and decreased moisture content. By pinching up a fold of skin and observing how quickly it returns to its normal position, the nurse can gather valuable information about the patient's hydration level. Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration or other underlying issues that may need to be addressed.

While applying moisturizer can provide symptomatic relief for dry skin, it does not address the root cause of dehydration. Similarly, instructing increased fluid intake is useful but is often only effective if there is an underlying need for fluid replenishment identified. A hydration assessment is critical to determine if the underlying problem is dehydration, guiding the nurse in providing comprehensive care.