Integument System-Basic Terminology

Question 1

Macule

Answer 1

Circumscribed, flat discoloration (blue, red, brown, or hypopigmented)
Examples: freckles, petechiae, measles, flat mole, vitiligo (complete depigmentation)

Question 2

Papule

Answer 2

Elevated, solid lesion. Color varies.

Examples: warts, elevated moles, lipoma, basal cell carcinoma

Question 3

Plaque

Answer 3

Circumscribed, elevated, superficial, solid lesion.

Examples: psoriasis

Question 4

Pustule

Answer 4

Elevated, superficial lesion filled with PURULENT fluid

Examples: acne, impetigo

Question 5

Vesicle

Answer 5

Circumscribed, superficial collection of SEROUS fluid.

Examples: varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles), second-degree burn

Question 6

Wheal

Answer 6

Firm, edematous, irregularly shaped area. Size varies. May last ONLY A FEW HOURS.
Examples: insect bites, urticaria, angioedema

Question 7

Atrophy

Answer 7

General skin atrophy consists of a reduction in epidermal and dermal thickness, regression of the sebaceous glands, subcutaneous fat loss, and muscle-layer atrophy.

Examples: aged skin, striae (stretch marks)

Question 8

Excoriation

Answer 8

Area in which EPIDERMIS is MISSING, exposing the dermis

Examples: abrasion, scratch

Question 9

Fissure

Answer 9

Linear crack or break from the epidermis to the dermis. Dry or moist.
Examples: athlete’s foot, chapping, eczema

Question 10

Scale

Answer 10

Excess, dead epidermal cells make by abnormal keratinization and shedding
Examples: flaking of skin after a drug reaction or sunburn

Question 11

Scar

Answer 11

Abnormal formation of connective tissue that replaces normal skin
Examples: surgical incision, healed wound

Question 12

Ulcer

Answer 12

Loss of the epidermis AND dermis. Crater-like, irregular shape. Heals with scarring.
Examples: pressure ulcer

Question 13

Skin color change: bluish (cyanosis)

Answer 13

Increased amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin (associated with hypoxia and is a late sign of decreased oxygen levels)
Assessment locations: nail beds, lips, base of tongue, skin

Question 14

Skin color change: pallor (decrease in color)

Answer 14

Reduced amount of oxyhemoglobin (cause: anemia, shock), reduced visibility of oxyhemoglobin from decreased blood flow.
Assessment locations: face, conjunctiva, nail beds, palms of hands, skin, lips

Question 15

Skin color change: loss of pigmentation (vitiligo)

Answer 15

Congenital autoimmune condition causing lack of pigment.

Assessment locations: patchy areas on face, hands, arms

Question 16

Skin color change: yellow-orange (jaundice)

Answer 16

Increased deposit of bilirubin in tissues (cause: liver disease, RBC destruction)
Assessment locations: sclerae, mucous membranes, skin

Question 17

Skin color change: red (erythema)

Answer 17

Increased visibility of oxyhemoglobin caused by dilation or increased blood flow (cause: fever, direct trauma, blushing, alcohol)
Assessment locations: face, area of trauma, areas at risk for pressure such as sacrum, shoulders, elbows, heels

Question 18

Skin color change: tan-brown

Answer 18

Increased amount of melanin (cause: suntan, pregnancy)

Assessment locations: face, arms, nipples