Ch. 13. Skin Flashcards
Function of the Skin
- Protection - Prevents penetration
- Perception (touch, pain, temperature, pressure)
- Temperature regulation (heat leaves with the help of sweat glands and stores heat in the subcutaneous insulation)
- Identification
- Communication (emotions)
- Wound repair (cell repair)
- Absorption and excretion
- Production of vitamin D
Kinds of sweat glands
Eccrine glands
Apocrine glands
Older adults Developmental Considerations
- Slow atrophy of skin structures
- Loss of elasticity, collagen, subcutaneous fat
- Thinning of stratum corneum and dermis
- Decreased sweat and sebaceous glands
- Greater risk for heat stroke
- Senile purpura -benign, easy bruising
- Increased risk for skin disease
- Change in hair distribution
- Psychological impact of visible aging
Health History Q’s for Skin
Previous history of skin disease (allergies, hives, psoriasis, or eczema) Change in pigmentation Change in mole (size or colour) Excessive dryness or moisture Pruritus Excessive bruising Medications Rash Change in nails Environmental or occupational hazards Self-care behaviours.
Infants and children Birthmarks Skin colour changes Jaundice Cyanosis Allergic rash Diaper rash Burns or bruises Exposure to contagious skin conditions Self-destructive habits Sun protection
Adolescents
Skin problems
Older adults Skin changes Delay in wound healing Skin pain Foot/nail changes Falling Diabetes or cardiovascular disease Skin care
Canadian Cancer Society risk factors for skin cancer
Prolonged exposure to UV rays
Individuals most at risk History of skin cancer Under 18 years Fair skinned Have freckles or moles Have a family history Using medications that increase sensitivity to UV rays
Tanning beds:
Skin Inspection
Colour General pigmentation Presence of freckles, moles, birthmarks Widespread colour change Pallor Erythema - redness Cyanosis Jaundice
Temperature
Hypothermia
Hyperthermia
Moisture
Diaphoresis
Dehydration
Texture Thickness Edema Mobility and turgor Vascularity or bruising
Lesions Colour Elevation Pattern or shape Size Location and distribution on body Exudate
Skin Inspection
Colour General pigmentation Presence of freckles, moles, birthmarks Widespread colour change Pallor Erythema - redness Cyanosis Jaundice
Temperature
Hypothermia
Hyperthermia
Moisture
Diaphoresis
Dehydration
Texture Thickness Edema Mobility and turgor Vascularity or bruising
Lesions Colour Elevation Pattern or shape Size Location and distribution on body Exudate
Hair Inspection
Hair—Inspect and palpate Colour Texture Distribution Lesions
Nail Inspection
Shape and contour Profile sign Consistency Colour Capillary refill
Note the angle of the nail base:
Normal- 160°
Curved- 160° or less
Early clubbing- 180°
Teach skin self-examination, using the ABCDE rule
A: asymmetry B: border irregularity C: colour variation D: diameter E: elevation and enlargeme
Pressure ulcers
Define + Risk Factors
Appear on the skin over a bony prominence when circulation is impaired (confined to bed, immobilized)
Risk factors: impaired mobility, thin fragile skin of aging, decreased sensory perception, impaired level of consciousness, moisture from urine or stool incontinence, excessive perspiration or wound drainage, shearing injury, poor nutrition, and infection
Assessed by stage (I–IV), depending on depth
