What might poor skin turgor indicate in an elderly patient during a health assessment?

Poor skin turgor in an elderly patient is often indicative of possible dehydration. Skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity and ability to return to its normal position after being pinched. When an individual is adequately hydrated, the skin remains supple and retains its turgor. However, in cases of dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity and may appear saggy or fail to bounce back promptly. This can be particularly significant in older adults, as they may have reduced fluid reserves and sensations of thirst, making them more susceptible to dehydration.

Other options do not accurately reflect the implications of poor skin turgor with regard to hydration status. Improved hydration status would show good skin turgor, effective management of chronic diseases is not directly related to skin appearance, and while some changes to skin may occur due to normal aging, poor turgor specifically points to potential issues with fluid balance.