ch 13 - skin, hair, nails assessment Flashcards
what happens to the skin elasticity of older adults?
Loses elasticity; skin folds and sags
what happens to the sweat and sebaceous glands of the older adult?
Decrease in number and function, leaving skin dry
what is senile purpura?
Discoloration due to increasing capillary fragility
why does the skin of older adults break down easily?
Cell replacement is slower and wound healing is delayed
why do older people’s hair change color?
Functioning melanocytes decrease, leading to gray fine hair
what is the most important risk factor for skin cancer?
Most important environmental risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation both from sun and tanning sources
what is an increased risk for melanoma related to?
Increased risk for melanoma related to increased number of sunburns during one’s lifetime
how should skin temperature be upon assessment?
- Skin should be warm, and temperature equal bilaterally
- Hands and feet may be slightly cooler in a cool environment
where are needle marks or tracks usually seen?
antecubital fossae, forearms, or on any available vein
if lesions are present, what should you note about them?
Color
Elevation
Pattern or shape
Size
Location and distribution on body
Any exudate: note color and odor
what should the angle of the nail base be?
about 160 degrees
what should the color of the nails be?
Translucent nail plate to pink nail bed below
how do you check for capillary refill?
depress nail edge to blanch at least 5 seconds then release
does the ABCDEF skin assessment stand for?
A: asymmetry
B: border irregularity
C: color variations
D: diameter greater than 6mm
E: elevation and evolution
F: funny looking
what does cyanosis indicate?
hypoxemia
