Integumentary System Flashcards
Physical assessment approach
Head to toe, anterior, posterior and lateral
Or by region as other systems are assessed
Physical assessment techniques for integumentary system
Inspection and palpation
Inspection of the skin should look at..
Color
Odor
Integrity
Any lesions
Pallor
An unhealthy pale appearance
Erythema
Flushed appearance, redness
Pediculosis
Infection of the hair follicles
Normal base angle of nails =
160 degrees
Atrophic
Thinning
+1 edema
Mild (2mm)
No perceptual swelling
+2 edema
Moderate (4mm)
Indentation subsides quickly
+3 edema
Severe (6mm)
Indentation remains for a short time, leg looks swollen
+4 edema
Pitting (8 mm)
Indentation lasts for a long time
Normal skin elasticity test =
Brisk turgor
Occiput
Back of head
Indurated
Elevated, defined borders (usually red)
Granular
Little tiny bumps
Erythematous
Red
Pedunculation
Skin tags
Exudate
Fluid
Cellulitis
Infection of the skin
Annular
Circular (freckle, mole, ulcer)
Confluent
When things merge together and touch each other