Ch10 - Integumentary System

Question 1

Integumentary system

Answer 1

The skin, the largest organ and system of the body

Question 2

Functions of the integumentary system

Answer 2

Protects internal organs
Prevents excessive loss of water
Sense organ
Regulates body temperature

Question 3

Normal changes of aging to the integumentary system

Answer 3

Thinner, drier, more fragile skin
Loss of skin elasticity
Less fatty tissue can make you feel colder
Wrinkles and brown spots
Harder, more brittle nails
Less oil from sebaceous glands can cause dry, itchy skin

Question 4

Cellulitis

Answer 4

A bacterial infection affecting the skin and soft tissue

Question 5

Malaise

Answer 5

A general sense of feeling unwell

Question 6

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Answer 6

Bacteria (Staph) that have developed resistance to the antibiotic methicillin

Question 7

Sepsis

Answer 7

An infection in the bloodstream

Question 8

Treatments for cellulitis

Answer 8

Oral antibiotics for mild infections
IV antibiotics for more severe (systemic) cases
Most common: penicillin and cephalosporin

Question 9

Treatments for MRSA

Answer 9

Can be difficult to treat - is a ‘super bug’
Oral antibiotics may be used for less severe cases
IV antibiotics for more severe cases (vancomycin)

Question 10

Pruritus

Answer 10

Medical term for itching

Question 11

Contact dermatitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of the skin caused by contact with an irritant

Question 12

Atopic dermatitis

Answer 12

Inflammation of the skin not caused by contact with an irritant; also called eczema

Question 13

Treatments for dermatitis

Answer 13

Skin hydration (lotions or creams containing petrolatum or lanolin)
Topical or oral corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling
Antihistamines can control overreactive allergic reactions
Immunosuppressant drugs for severe cases

Question 14

Psoriasis

Answer 14

A chronic skin condition caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in the body creating too many skin cells which cause white or red skin patches that may be itchy and painful

Question 15

Treatments for psoriasis

Answer 15

Milder cases: topical corticosteroids and moisturizing lotions/creams
More severe cases: phototherapy (light treatments), immunosuppressants

Question 16

Candidiasis

Answer 16

Overgrowth of the fungus candida on the body (called thrush if in the mouth, yeast infection if vaginal)

Question 17

Pediculosis

Answer 17

Infestation of the hair or body with lice eggs (nits) or adult lice

Question 18

Scabies

Answer 18

A skin condition caused by a mite that burrows under the outer layer of the skin

Question 19

Common fungal infections

Answer 19

Tinea pedis - athlete’s foot
Tinea cruris - jock itch
Tinea corporis - ringworm (not caused by a worm!)
Candidiasis (including thrush, yeast infection)
Fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails

Question 20

Treatments for fungal infections

Answer 20

Topical antifungal agents kill the fungus causing the infection
Oral antifungals may be given for recurring fingernail/toenail fungus

Question 21

Treatments for pediculosis and scabies

Answer 21

Drug class is known as miticides - kills parasites, most medications are topical
Pediculocides treat lice infestation
Scabicides treat scabies

Question 22

Photosensitivity

Answer 22

Increased sensitivity to sunlight, may be caused by some common medications

Question 23

Petechiae

Answer 23

A condition in which small flat red or purple dots appear on the skin as a result of leaking capillaries

Question 24

Purpura

Answer 24

Dark red to dark purple patches that appear on the skin due to leakage of red blood cells

Question 25

Treatment for burns

Answer 25

Silver sulfadiazine reduces risk of infection and helps healing
Topical antibiotics prevent or treat bacterial infection
Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation
Moisture barrier ointments such as Aquaphor for minor burns to protect skin (only as ordered)