final exam Flashcards
- What is the difference between xerosis and pruritus?
o Xerosis: Abnormally dry skin, often seen in older adults or in dry environments.
o Pruritus: The sensation of itching, which can be a symptom of xerosis, allergies, systemic conditions, or skin disorders.
- What education is important regarding tetracyclines?
o Avoid sun exposure (photosensitivity risk).
o Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) unless otherwise directed.
o Do not take with dairy, antacids, or iron (they decrease absorption).
o Avoid during pregnancy and in children under 8 (risk of teeth discoloration and bone issues).
- What is the ABCDE method for assessing moles?
o A - Asymmetry
o B - Border irregularity
o C - Color variations
o D – Diameter > 6mm
o E – Elevation or evolution
o F – (optional addition) -> funny looking/ “ugly duckling”
- What is jaundice? How can you assess for jaundice in a person with a darker skin tone?
o Yellowing of skin/sclera due to elevated bilirubin.
o In darker skin tones: Assess the sclera, palms, soles, and oral mucosa for yellowing.
- What are liver spots and what causes them? Are they common in the older or younger adult population?
o Common, circumscribed clusters of melanocytes due to chronic sun exposure. They are small, brown macules (flat) and appear on the dorsa of the hands (back), forearms, face, upper trunk, and shins in 90% of Whites older than 60 and in Asians.
typically benign
- What are you assessing for when assessing a patient’s skin turgor? How do you perform this assessment?
o Assesses hydration status.
o Pinch skin (commonly over the forearm, sternum, or clavicle).
o Normal: Skin returns quickly.
o Dehydration: Skin remains tented.
- What are the differences between the different stages of pressure ulcers?
o Stage 1: Non-blanchable erythema (redness), intact skin.
o Stage 2: Partial-thickness skin loss; blister or shallow open sore.
o Stage 3: Full-thickness loss, fat may be visible.
o Stage 4: Full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed bone/muscle/tendon.
o Unstageable: Covered by slough/eschar, obscured full-thickness skin and tissue loss
o Deep Tissue Injury: Purple/maroon localized area, skin intact or blistered.
- What are s/s of inflammation? How should you assess for inflammation in a person with a darker skin tone?
o Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.
o In darker skin tones: Look for warmth, swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin texture or firmness rather than just color.
- What factors might increase the risk for bleeding in surgery?
o Anticoagulant use, NSAIDs, liver disease, platelet disorders, vitamin K deficiency, uncontrolled hypertension.
o Alcohol and tobacco use can increase the risk of bleeding and infections
- What is the difference between delirium and post-op cognitive dysfunction?
Delirium: Acute, sudden confusion with fluctuating levels of consciousness, often reversible.
Confusion and disorientation occurring in the older adult client postoperative. It is temporary and may come and go days to weeks after surgery.
POCD: Subtle, longer-term cognitive decline (memory, concentration), common in older adults after surgery.
A serious condition in both older adults and clients with preexisting neurocognitive disorders are at risk for when undergoing anesthesia.
- Understand the ABC priority framework for assessing a post-op client.
o A – Airway
o B – Breathing
o C – Circulation
Prioritize based on life-threatening needs first (airway obstruction > bleeding > pain).
Level of consciousness, vital signs
- How can a client avoid dehiscence or evisceration of a post-op incision?
o Splint incision when coughing/moving.
o Avoid heavy lifting.
o Maintain good nutrition (protein, vitamins).
o Monitor for signs: sudden release of pressure, visible tissue/organs.
o Watch corticosteroid usage, especially in high dosages
Evisceration is a complication of dehiscence
- What is a priority treatment/assessment in the older adult population compared to other populations?
o Primary treatment and assessment are with pain
o Functional status (mobility, cognitive state, ability to perform ADLs).
o Prevent falls, manage chronic conditions, preserve independence.
- What is the Timed Up and Go Test?
o Evaluates mobility & fall risk.
o Client rises from a chair, walks 10 feet, turns, returns, and sits.
o Time >12 seconds = increased fall risk.
- What is the difference between ADLs and IADLs? Examples of each?
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living): Basic self-care.
Bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, eating.
IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living): Complex skills for independent living.
Cooking, cleaning, managing medications, shopping, using the phone, managing money.
