NU 310 HA -Capstone Study
The following case presented a 77 year old male admitted to the
medical surgical floor for community-acquired pneumonia. His
daughter brings to the nurse’s attention that the patient is
concerned about a spot on his shoulder. Skin lesions are common
in the elder adult. The most common ones mentioned were
senile lentigines, seborrheic keratosis, sebaceous hyperplasia,
acrochordons and actinic keratosis. Senile lentigines are
commonly known as “liver spots”. They are flat tan, brown or
black in color and it’s common with age. Seborrheic keratosis
appears as a waxy growth that is tan, brown or black in color. This
lesion is non- cancerous. Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign
condition that manifests itself as a single or multiple lesions that
are tan, yellow, soft small papules on the face. It appears
particularly in the nose, cheeks and forehead. Acrochordons are
known as “skin tags”. They are benign tumors that appear where
the skin forms creases. Common areas are the neck, armpit and
groin. Actinic keratosis is seen as a rough scaly patch on the skin.
This caused by years of exposure to the sun.
A skin assessment is performed on the patient. Using a strong
direct light source, a small ruler, a pen light and gloves, the skin
inspection is done. The first abnormal finding is on his hands are
described to be most likely a senile lentigines (liver spots). These
are benign and common with age. The second abnormal finding is
in his shoulder. The lesion appears to be a raised isolated lesion
that is crusted and black/brown in color. It appears to be a type of
seborrheic keratosis. This is a non-cancerous lesion. The third

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