Which of the following factors should be considered regarding wound healing for a 72-year-old male with risk factors?

Corticosteroids may delay wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can impair the body's natural regenerative processes. In elderly patients, such as a 72-year-old male who may have multiple risk factors, the use of corticosteroids can further complicate already slower healing times attributed to age and other health conditions. Corticosteroids suppress the immune response and can also affect collagen synthesis, leading to delayed repair and increased risk of complications such as infection or dehiscence. Therefore, considering the potential impact of corticosteroids on wound healing is crucial in the management of this patient's care to optimize recovery outcomes.

In contrast, older age is known to affect healing negatively, as various physiological changes occur, and smoking is detrimental to overall healing processes, including fractures. Lastly, low glucose levels do not support healing; rather, optimal glucose control is necessary for effective wound repair. This makes the recognition of corticosteroids' role in delayed wound healing particularly important in perioperative assessments.