2.1 Concept of Tissue Integrity Flashcards
Define tissue integrity
the state of structurally intact and physiologically functioning epithelial tissues such as the integument (including skin and subcutaneous tissue) and mucous membranes.
The scope ranges for tissue integrity
Intact -> Superficial -> partial thickness injury -> full thickness injury
What are the categories of impaired tissue integrity?
- Trauma/injury
- Loss of Perfusion
- Immunological Reaction
- Infections and Infestations
- Thermal or Radiation Injury
What the risk factors of tissue integrity for infants and children?
Related to developmental level (diaper rash, grabbing objects, day carefully )
What the risk factors of tissue integrity for older adults?
Aging process: loss of lean muscle mass, decreased skin thickness/strength/moisture/elasticity, decreased venous and arterial blood flood, diminished perception of pain and pressure
What the risk factors of tissue integrity for personal?
Sun exposure, skin tone, poor perfusion, nutritional status, obesity, mobility level, fluid deficit or excess
Define impetigo
a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children. Impetigo usually appears as red sores on the face, especially around a child’s nose and mouth, and on hands and feet. The sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts.
List the consequences of impaired tissue integrity
- thermoregulation
- elimination
- fluid and electrolyte balance
- protection from infection
- safety
- comfort/pain
- body image
How does the skin normally regulate body temperature?
Within a narrow range through constriction or relaxation of the pillar erector muscles, vasodilation & vasoconstriction of vessels in the dermis, and the production of sweat.
In the absence of skin integrity such as an overwhelming burn surface, the ability to regulate what is impaired?
body heat and excess fluid loss
This also requires external maintenance of temperature and massive fluid replacement
When the skin is abrupt by small abrasion or massive wounds, what happens?
the loss of the skin as a barrier means that the underlying structures are no longer protected from the environment and infectious chemical dangers
Even a small open wound can be very dangerous. Why?
it provides a portal that can lead to an overwhelming infection if the person is immunocompromised or if the particular infectious agent is virulent.
Loss of deep skin structure is important why?
structures such as nerve endings prevent normal sensation that provides queues about the environment and help promote safety
Why can skin conditions impact body image in a patient?
Because unlike any other condition of a system, skin conditions are more visible. This can even cause psychological distress because it alters the mental model of how he or she appears
Why can the injuries and lesions to the face and hands be more painful?
Because the skin over those two areas contain many sensory nerve endings.
