Integumentary System Flashcards
What are the components/organs of integumentary system?
Hair
Nails
Sweat glands
Oil Glands
What are the 3 layers of the skin
Epidermis - outer layer
Dermis - inner layer
Subcutaneous layer - tissue below skin
What are the functions of the skin?
Protection - acts as physical barrier
Nerve endings - give warning of dangers
Elimination function - eliminates toxins
Regulation of body temp - via sweater or shivering
What is normal observation of skin, hair and nails?
Skin color
Soft
Adequate moisture
Elastic and turgor
Intact
Smooth
Cool or warm
Some aging signs of skin, hair and nails
Brown spots
Nails become thick and tough
Hair whitens, thin and becomes dry
Thinner skin, less elastic layer of fatty tissue lost
As an hca what observations do you need to make around skin hair and nails?
Pain
Color of lips
Temperature
Rashes or bruises
Shape of fingernails
Open areas
What to do To promote healthy integumentary system…
No soap on face
Moisturizing lotions
Adequate fluids
Brush hair
Keep nails short
Shave daily
Avoid prolonged pressure
Promote circulation to skin
Define wounds
Break in the skin or mucous membrane and becomes portal of entry for microbes
Define pressure ulcer
Any injury caused by unrelieved pressure that usually occurs over a bony prominence.
What is causes of pressure ulcer
Pressure
Friction
Shearing
Breaks in skin
Moisture
Dry flaky skin
Who is at risk for pressure ulcers
Confined to chairs or bed
Older age
Obese or frail
Poor nutrition
Problems sense pain or pressure
What are the stages of pressure ulcers
Stage 1 - skin is red and color does not return to normal when relieved of pressure
Stage 2 - skin has cracks, blisters or peels - shallow crater
Stage 3 - the skin is gone underlying tissues exposed and damaged
Stage 4 - muscles and bone are exposed drainage is likely
Guidlines for preventing pressure ulcers
Follow repositioning schedule
Keep linens clean dry and wrinkle free
Provide good skin care
Proper lifting and transfering
Report any signs or skin breakdown
Guidelines for preventing skin tears
Dress and undress carefully
Keep fingernails short and filed
Offer fluids
Prevent friction and shearing when lifting or moving
