Which of the following statements made by a nurse shows the most appro

Which of the following statements made by a nurse shows the most appropriate understanding of “skin hunger”?

1. “For skin to be healthy, it must be fed.”
2. “Being touched is as important as being fed.”
3. “Touch provides emotional comfort to a client.”
4. “Skin requires adequate nutrients and hydration.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Touch is a primal need, as necessary as food, growth, or shelter. Think of touch as a nutrient transmitted through the skin and “skin hunger” as a form of malnutrition that has reached epi-demic proportions in the United States, especially among older adults. While the remaining op-tions are not incorrect, they do not express the most appropriate appreciation for the need of hu-man touch.