Chapter 31: Skin Alterations Flashcards
What are primary lesions?
Lesions that arise from previously healthy skin.
Examples: macules, papules, patches, tumors, nodules, vesicles
What are secondary lesions?
Lesions that result from changes in primary lesions (e.g., due to infection, scratching, or healing).
Examples: crusts, scales, keloids, erosions, ulcers
What are common types of tinea and how are they treated?
Tinea capitis (scalp): oral antifungals; Tinea corporis (body): topical antifungals; Tinea pedis (feet): topical antifungals; Tinea cruris (groin): topical antifungals.
What are nursing considerations for tinea infections?
Emphasize hygiene, keep areas dry, avoid sharing personal items, complete entire treatment.
What causes lice and how are they transmitted?
Infestation of scalp/hair via direct contact or shared items (brushes, hats); lice crawl, don’t jump or fly.
How is lice treated?
Pediculicide shampoo, manual nit removal, repeat treatment in 7–10 days.
What are nursing considerations for lice?
Clean linens and personal items, treat all contacts, educate on nit removal and environmental cleaning.
What causes scabies and how is it transmitted?
Infestation by scabies mite; spreads through prolonged skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
What are signs and symptoms of scabies?
Severe pruritus (worse at night), papules/pustules, common on hands, axilla, neck, feet, buttocks.
What is the treatment and nursing considerations for scabies?
Treatment: 5% permethrin cream to entire body, antihistamines; Nursing: Treat all household members, wash linens/clothing in hot water, monitor for secondary infection.
What is impetigo and how is it spread?
Highly contagious skin infection (usually staph or strep); spread by contact—often starts at minor skin injuries.
What are signs and symptoms of impetigo?
Red sores that rupture and form honey-colored crusts (often on face, hands, feet).
What is the treatment and nursing care for impetigo?
Treatment: Mupirocin (topical), oral erythromycin if widespread; Nursing: Clean lesions 3x/day, short nails, hand hygiene, avoid sharing towels/toys.
What are the types of burns?
Thermal: hot liquids, flames; Chemical; Electrical; Radioactive.
What are common burn patterns by age or cause?
Hot drinks = toddlers; Contact burns (irons, straighteners); “Glove and stocking” burns = suspicious for abuse (sharp lines, no splash).
What are red flags for non-accidental burns?
Story doesn’t match injury, delay in seeking care, other injuries, patterned burns.
How are burns classified by depth?
Superficial (1st degree): Red, painful, no blisters (e.g., sunburn); Partial Thickness (2nd degree): Blisters, moist, painful; Full Thickness (3rd degree): Dry, leathery, painless (nerve damage); needs grafting.
How do we calculate burn percentage?
Use “rule of palm” – the child’s palm = ~1% of body surface area.
What are key burn care steps?
Airway: Look for facial burns, soot, stridor—intubate early if concerned; Breathing: Burns to chest can impair ventilation; Circulation: Use Parkland Formula for fluid replacement.
What is the Parkland Formula?
4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA burned = total fluid for 24 hrs. Give half in first 8 hours, rest over next 16 hours.
What are other nursing responsibilities in burn care?
Pain control (no IM meds); Prevent hypothermia (kids lose heat quickly); Infection control (hygiene, frequent linen changes); Nutritional support (2–3× normal caloric/protein needs).
