Hair, Skin and Nails

Question 1

define constitutive colour

Answer 1

General color of a person’s skin in areas unaffected by lesions and rashes

what is considered “normal” to a person

Question 2

what is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type test?

Answer 2

an assessment tool used to assess an individual’s constitutive skin colour and identifying risk factors based on skin type, hair colour and eye colour

Question 3

which Fitzpatrick skin type is at highest risk of sun damage?

Answer 3

Fitzpatrick I - lightest skin, eyes, hair

Question 4

which Fitzpatrick skin type is at highest risk of lack of vitamin D absorbtion?

Answer 4

Fitzpatrick VI - darkest skin, eyes, hair

Question 5

define pallor skin

Answer 5

Paleness in skin, mucous membranes of eyes and lips related to a lack of iron or early lack of perfusion

Question 6

define jaundiced skin

Answer 6

a yellowing to the skin and eyes due to the liver being overrun by bilirubin

Question 7

define cyanosis

Answer 7

blueing of skin, nails/fingertips, lips due to lack of oxygen

Question 8

define modifiable factors

Answer 8

risk factors that can be changed/addressed

e.g. use of antibiotics that puts an individual at risk of sun burn

Question 9

define non modifiable factors

Answer 9

risk factors that we cannot change/address

e.g. Fitzpatrick skin type I is at higher risk to sun damage

Question 10

define erythema

Answer 10

extra vascularity and redness due to irritation

Question 11

define ecchymosis

Answer 11

discoloration of the skin due to bleeding underneath

Question 12

define petechiae

Answer 12

pinpoint dots of bleeding under the skin

Question 13

describe macules

Answer 13

flat, coloured, small (<1 cm diameter) lesions

e.g. freckles

Question 14

describe papules

Answer 14

raised and defined lesion that has a layer of skin over it

e.g. warts

Question 15

describe pustules

Answer 15

fluid-filled, “pus” lesion

Question 16

describe plaques

Answer 16

raised defined, large (>1 cm diameter) patch lesions

e.g. psoriasis

Question 17

describe nodules

Answer 17

solid, palpable and large (>1 cm diameter) lesions that evolve into tumours

Question 18

describe vesicles

Answer 18

small, sac-like lesion filled with fluid

Question 19

describe bullae

Answer 19

large (>1 cm), fluid filled lesions underneath skin

Question 20

describe scales

Answer 20

accumulating and shedding epidermis

e.g. psoriasis

Question 21

describe purpura

Answer 21

purplish macules or papules as a result of blood leaking vessels under the skin

Question 22

describe telangiectasia

Answer 22

small, widened blood vessels on the skin

Question 23

what colours can lesions be?

Answer 23

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Violet
• Shades of blue, silver and gray
• Black

Question 24

what are the ABCDE’s of hyperpigmented lesions?

Answer 24

• A = asymmetry
• B = borders
• C = colour
• D = diameter
• E = evolution

Question 25

how do pressure sores happen?

Answer 25

* pressure of bony prominence against surface for a prolonged period * friction * shear

Question 26

what is the Braden Scale?

Answer 26

an assessment tool that assesses risk for pressure sores based on sensory perception, presence of moisture, physical activity, mobility, nutrition and friction & shear

Question 27

which individuals are at greater risk of pressure injuries?

Answer 27

immobile or bed bound patients

Question 28

what does skin turgor indicate about a person's conditions?

Answer 28

shows hydration and nutrition status

Question 29

how is skin turgor tested?

Answer 29

pinch skin and watch how long it takes to return to normal place, if it takes <3 seconds, it is normal

Question 30

describe alopecia

Answer 30

a hair abnormality consisting of patches of hair missing

Question 31

define strawberry nevus

Answer 31

a type of birthmark that is red, can appear on scalp and skin

Question 32

define hirsutism

Answer 32

unexpected hair growth on neck and side of face in females, common symptom in PCOS

Question 33

what is a normal length of time for capillary refill?

Answer 33

< 3 seconds

Question 34

what is the Schamroth sign?

Answer 34

a measure of whether nails are clubbing or not

Question 35

what does a positive Schamroth sign indicate?

Answer 35

there is clubbing

Question 36

what does a negative Schamroth sign indicate?

Answer 36

nails are normal, no clubbing

Question 37

describe Beau's lines

Answer 37

horizontal ridges along the nail

Question 38

what are major red flags with hair, skin and nails?

Answer 38

* pressure injuries * acute dehydration * cyanosis * melanoma * acute trauma and burns