Ch 53 Integumentary System Function and Data Collection Flashcards
What are the three layers of the skin?
Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue).
What is the primary function of the epidermis?
Acts as a barrier to protect against infection and water loss.
What do melanocytes do?
Produce melanin, which gives color to skin and hair.
What is the role of intraepidermal macrophages?
First line of defense against pathogens attempting to enter the skin.
What provides skin its strength and elasticity?
Collagen fibers in the dermis.
What is the function of the hypodermis?
Cushions, insulates, and contains leukocytes to destroy pathogens.
How does hair contribute to protection?
Eyebrows/eyelashes prevent debris from entering eyes; nostril hair filters air; head hair provides insulation.
What is the function of nails?
Protects the ends of digits from mechanical injury and helps with grasping objects.
What are the main sensory receptors in the skin?
Free nerve endings (heat, cold, pain) and encapsulated nerve endings (touch, pressure).
What type of glands are located in the dermis?
Cutaneous exocrine glands (sweat, sebaceous, tear glands).
What is insensible perspiration?
Loss of approximately 500ml of water per day through the skin without noticeable sweating.
How do blood vessels in the dermis help regulate body temperature?
Vasodilation releases heat; vasoconstriction conserves heat.
What vitamin does the skin help synthesize?
Vitamin D, from cholesterol when exposed to UV light.
What are some normal aging changes of the skin?
Thinner, more fragile, less elasticity, reduced oil production, increased risk of injury and infection.
What are common skin conditions in older adults?
Dryness, delayed wound healing, increased risk for skin tears and pressure injuries.
What is the significance of skin problems in systemic diseases?
Skin changes can be the first visible sign of an underlying health condition.
What information should be gathered in a skin health history?
History of dryness, rashes, itching, skin disorders, allergies, recent trauma, sun exposure.
What is an important consideration when assessing hair and nails?
Changes in growth patterns, hair loss, nail abnormalities, artificial nail use.
What medications may cause skin reactions?
Antibiotics, NSAIDs, chemotherapy drugs, anticonvulsants.
How can occupation affect skin health?
Exposure to chemicals, irritants, or excessive sun can increase risk for skin disorders.
What are important questions to ask about home environment during skin assessment?
Presence of pets, use of skin products, household chemicals, exposure to contagious skin conditions.
Why is a well-lit, warm room necessary for a skin exam?
To accurately assess color, moisture, texture, and lesions.
What tools are used in a skin exam?
Penlight, magnifying glass, ruler, gloves.
What are characteristics of normal skin?
Intact, smooth, dry, well-hydrated, warm, elastic turgor.
How does skin turgor relate to hydration?
Poor skin turgor (tenting) can indicate dehydration.
What factors influence skin color?
Temperature, oxygenation, blood flow, UV exposure, genetics.
What is pallor?
Paleness due to decreased blood flow.
What is erythema?
Redness caused by increased blood flow or inflammation.
What is jaundice?
Yellow discoloration due to liver disease (best seen in sclera of eyes).
What is cyanosis?
Blue coloring indicating poor oxygenation (seen in lips, nail beds, palms).
What causes brown skin pigmentation changes?
Increased melanin production due to sun exposure, pregnancy, or hormonal changes.
What are primary skin lesions?
Initial response to disease, such as a macule, papule, pustule.
What are secondary skin lesions?
Result from trauma, scratching, or infection (scars, ulcers, crusts).
What are common vascular changes in the skin?
Ecchymosis (bruising), petechiae (small reddish-purple dots).
What is edema?
Excess fluid in tissues, causing swelling.
How is pitting edema assessed?
Pressing a finger into the swollen area and noting the depth of indentation.
What are clubbed nails a sign of?
Chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels).
What do spoon-shaped nails indicate?
Iron-deficiency anemia.
What are Beau’s lines?
Horizontal grooves in nails caused by illness or injury.
What are splinter hemorrhages in nails?
Red or brown streaks due to trauma or illness.
What is paronychia?
Inflammation at the base of the nail due to infection or trauma.
What is the purpose of a Wood’s light exam?
Detects fungal infections under UV light.
What is a skin biopsy used for?
Diagnosing deeper infections, suspicious lesions, or monitoring treatment.
What are the three types of skin biopsies?
Punch, shave, and incisional.
What is a scratch test used for?
Immediate detection of allergic reactions.
What is a patch test?
Allergens applied under a patch, checked after 2-5 days for delayed reactions.
What is the purpose of open wet dressings?
Decrease inflammation, cleanse wounds, promote drainage.
What is balneotherapy?
Therapeutic baths for medication application, debridement, or hydration.
What are topical corticosteroids used for?
Reducing pain, itching, and inflammation.
What is the function of occlusive dressings?
Seals a wound with an airtight plastic film to retain moisture.
What are hydrocolloid dressings used for?
Protect pressure injury areas and promote healing.
What type of dressing is best for skin tears?
Nonadherent dressings.
What are the functions of the skin?
Protection, sensation, temperature regulation, vitamin D production, excretion, immunity.
What are keratinocytes?
Cells that produce keratin, a protein that provides skin strength and waterproofing.
What are the two types of sweat glands?
Eccrine and apocrine glands.
Where are eccrine sweat glands found?
All over the body, especially palms, soles, and forehead.
What is the function of eccrine sweat glands?
Regulating body temperature through sweating.
Where are apocrine sweat glands found?
Axilla (armpits), groin, and areolae of breasts.
When do apocrine sweat glands become active?
During puberty.
What causes body odor?
Bacterial breakdown of apocrine sweat.
What do sebaceous glands secrete?
Sebum (oil), which lubricates skin and hair.
What role does sebum play in skin health?
Keeps skin soft, prevents drying, has antibacterial properties.
What are Merkel cells?
Sensory cells in the epidermis responsible for light touch detection.
What is the function of Langerhans cells?
Immune response by identifying and attacking pathogens in the skin.
What is the function of fibroblasts in the dermis?
Producing collagen and elastin fibers for skin structure and elasticity.
What is the role of the hypodermis?
Provides insulation, stores fat, and cushions underlying structures.
How does aging affect the hypodermis?
Decreases in thickness, leading to less insulation and more susceptibility to injury.
What is the purpose of a skin assessment?
To detect early signs of disease, infections, or injuries.
What are some risk factors for skin breakdown?
Immobility, moisture, poor nutrition, decreased circulation.
Why are older adults more prone to skin tears?
Their skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile.
What is the best way to assess skin turgor in older adults?
Pinch the skin over the sternum instead of the hand.
What is an example of a primary skin lesion?
Papules, pustules, macules, nodules.
What is an example of a secondary skin lesion?
Ulcers, fissures, scales, scars.
What is an ulcer?
An open sore caused by prolonged pressure, poor circulation, or infection.
What is a fissure?
A crack in the skin, often seen in dry skin conditions.
What are the different types of burns?
Superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness.
What are the signs of a superficial burn?
Redness, pain, no blisters (e.g., sunburn).
What are the signs of a partial-thickness burn?
Blisters, swelling, severe pain.
What are the signs of a full-thickness burn?
Charred skin, loss of sensation, requires grafting.
What are some common fungal skin infections?
Ringworm, athlete’s foot, candidiasis.
How is a fungal infection diagnosed?
Using a Wood’s light exam or skin culture.
What is a common viral skin infection?
Herpes simplex, warts.
What is impetigo?
A bacterial skin infection, highly contagious, causes honey-colored crusts.
What is cellulitis?
A deep bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and warmth.
What are common causes of contact dermatitis?
Poison ivy, nickel, detergents, latex.
How is contact dermatitis treated?
Avoiding the allergen, antihistamines, corticosteroids.
What are the ABCDEs of melanoma detection?
Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Evolving changes.
What are pressure injuries?
Localized damage to skin due to prolonged pressure.
What areas are most at risk for pressure injuries?
Sacrum, heels, elbows, back of the head.
What is the best way to prevent pressure injuries?
Frequent repositioning, moisture control, nutrition, skin checks.
What is stage 1 of a pressure injury?
Redness that does not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
What is stage 2 of a pressure injury?
Partial skin loss, may appear as a blister.
What is stage 3 of a pressure injury?
Full-thickness skin loss, exposing fat tissue.
What is stage 4 of a pressure injury?
Deep tissue damage with exposed muscle or bone.
What is unstageable pressure injury?
Covered with necrotic tissue, making it impossible to assess depth.
What is a deep tissue injury?
A purple or maroon area due to underlying damage.
What is the first sign of a pressure injury?
Persistent redness or discoloration.
How are wounds classified?
Open vs. closed, acute vs. chronic.
What is an example of a closed wound?
Bruise (contusion).
What is granulation tissue?
New tissue that forms during wound healing, appears red and moist.
What are the three phases of wound healing?
Inflammatory, proliferative, maturation.
What happens during the inflammatory phase of healing?
White blood cells and platelets help clean and repair the wound.
What happens during the proliferative phase?
New tissue (granulation) forms.
What happens during the maturation phase?
Scar tissue strengthens and remodels over time.
What is dehiscence?
Wound edges separate, common in surgical wounds.
What is evisceration?
Organs protrude through an open surgical wound.
What should you do if a wound eviscerates?
Cover it with a sterile saline-moistened dressing and seek immediate medical help.
What is serous drainage?
Clear, watery fluid.
What is purulent drainage?
Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus, indicating infection.
What is sanguineous drainage?
Bright red blood, seen in fresh wounds.
What is serosanguineous drainage?
Pinkish fluid, a mix of blood and clear fluid.
What dressing is best for a dry wound?
Hydrogel to maintain moisture.
What dressing is best for a weeping wound?
Absorbent dressings like foam or hydrocolloid.
What are occlusive dressings used for?
To keep wounds moist and protected.
How do topical antibiotics help wound healing?
Prevent infection and promote cell growth.
What is an example of a systemic antibiotic used for skin infections?
Cephalexin or doxycycline.
What is a sign of wound infection?
Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, foul odor.
What is a keloid?
Excessive scar tissue formation beyond the wound site.
What is a hypertrophic scar?
Raised but remains within the wound boundary.
How do corticosteroids help with itching?
Reduce inflammation and suppress immune response.
What is phototherapy?
Use of UV light to treat skin conditions like psoriasis.
What is the primary function of the integumentary system?
Protection from injury, infection, and dehydration.
What are three major components of the integumentary system?
Skin, hair, nails.
What is the main protein found in hair and nails?
Keratin.
What is the medical term for excessive hair growth?
Hirsutism.
What is alopecia?
Hair loss or baldness.
What is the main cause of male pattern baldness?
Genetic predisposition and hormonal changes.
What is the function of melanocytes?
Produce melanin, which gives color to skin and hair.
What is vitiligo?
A condition where melanocytes stop producing melanin, leading to white patches on the skin.
What causes albinism?
A genetic mutation that prevents melanin production.
What type of UV radiation is most harmful to the skin?
UVB rays, which cause sunburn and increase cancer risk.
What is the best way to prevent sun damage to the skin?
Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing.
What is photosensitivity?
Increased sensitivity to sunlight, often caused by medications or medical conditions.
What is the most common form of skin cancer?
Basal cell carcinoma.
What is the most dangerous type of skin cancer?
Melanoma.
What are risk factors for melanoma?
Excessive UV exposure, fair skin, family history, multiple moles.
What does a Wood’s light exam detect?
Fungal or bacterial infections that fluoresce under UV light.
What is tinea corporis?
Ringworm, a contagious fungal infection.
What is tinea pedis?
Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the feet.
What is tinea capitis?
Fungal infection of the scalp, causing hair loss and scaling.
What is candidiasis?
A yeast infection, commonly affecting the mouth, skin folds, and genitals.
What is a common treatment for fungal infections?
Antifungal creams (clotrimazole, terbinafine) or oral antifungals.
What is herpes simplex virus (HSV)?
A viral infection causing cold sores (HSV-1) or genital sores (HSV-2).
What triggers herpes outbreaks?
Stress, illness, sun exposure.
What is herpes zoster?
Shingles, a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
What is the primary symptom of shingles?
Painful rash with blisters, usually along a nerve pathway.
What is the recommended vaccine for preventing shingles?
Shingrix vaccine, for adults over 50.
What is the difference between primary and secondary bacterial skin infections?
Primary infections occur on healthy skin; secondary infections occur in damaged skin.
What is folliculitis?
Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacteria.
What is a furuncle?
A deep bacterial infection of a hair follicle, also known as a boil.
What is a carbuncle?
A cluster of connected boils caused by a bacterial infection.
What is the treatment for bacterial skin infections?
Topical or oral antibiotics, depending on severity.
What is psoriasis?
A chronic autoimmune disease causing scaly, red plaques on the skin.
What are common triggers for psoriasis flares?
Stress, infections, cold weather, medications.
What is eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
A chronic skin condition causing itchy, inflamed skin.
What is the primary treatment for eczema?
Moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines.
What is rosacea?
A chronic skin disorder causing facial redness and visible blood vessels.
What are triggers for rosacea?
Spicy foods, alcohol, hot drinks, stress.
What is scabies?
A highly contagious skin infestation caused by mites.
How is scabies treated?
Topical permethrin cream or oral ivermectin.
What is pediculosis?
Lice infestation (head, body, or pubic lice).
What is the first-line treatment for head lice?
Permethrin shampoo or manual removal with a fine-tooth comb.
What are the three phases of hair growth?
Anagen (growth), Catagen (transitional), Telogen (resting).
What is hyperpigmentation?
Darkened skin patches due to excess melanin.
What is hypopigmentation?
Loss of skin color due to melanin deficiency.
What is xerosis?
Dry skin, often seen in elderly individuals.
What is a skin tag?
A small, benign outgrowth of skin, common in skin folds.
What is urticaria?
Hives, raised red welts caused by an allergic reaction.
What is a common cause of hives?
Food allergies, medications, insect stings, stress.
