What should you advise an older adult client who frequently knocks his arm and develops purpura?

The best advice for an older adult client who frequently experiences purpura, which is the appearance of purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding underneath, is to protect the skin from trauma. As individuals age, their skin becomes thinner and more fragile, which makes it more susceptible to injury and bleeding. Therefore, advising the client to protect their skin from trauma helps to prevent conditions like purpura from developing, as it encourages the use of measures that reduce the risk of cuts or bruises.

While wearing a long-sleeved shirt can provide an additional barrier against minor trauma, it may not be sufficient on its own. Taping nonadherent dressings over skin tears is helpful in managing existing wounds, but it doesn't address the underlying issue of preventing new injuries. Advising the client to be gentle when handling their skin is also useful, but it may not be comprehensive enough to fully mitigate the risk of purpura. Ultimately, protecting the skin from any form of trauma stands out as the most holistic and preventative approach.