Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Using protective pads is an essential care strategy for protecting the skin of frail elderly individuals. As people age, their skin becomes thinner, drier, and more susceptible to injury. Protective pads can help to cushion and protect vulnerable areas of the skin, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers, friction injuries, and other types of trauma that frail elderly skin is particularly vulnerable to.

Protective pads can be especially beneficial in areas prone to pressure, such as the heels, elbows, and sacral area. By providing a barrier against external forces and moisture, these pads help maintain skin integrity and promote healing in individuals who may already have compromised skin due to age, mobility issues, or underlying health conditions.

In contrast, frequent bathing may remove essential oils and further dry the skin, while limiting mobility can lead to increased risk of pressure sores due to prolonged immobility. Administering topical steroids, although appropriate for certain dermatological conditions, does not serve as a general protective measure for frail skin and may not be indicated for all elderly patients.