MIDTERMS: Integumentary System Flashcards
What are the layers of the skin?
Epidermis and Dermis (Note: Hypodermis is not part of the skin but stabilizes it over skeletal muscles and organs).
Name the sublayers of the epidermis.
Stratum Corneum, Stratum Lucidum (thick skin), Stratum Granulosum, Stratum Spinosum, Stratum Basale.
What is the primary role of the epidermis?
Avascular, water-resistant, assists with thermoregulation (via arrector pili muscle), provides protection from bacteria, chemicals, and UV radiation through melanocytes.
List the functions of the skin.
- Primary insulator
- Holds organs together
- Provides sensory perception
- Contributes to fluid balance
- Regulates internal temperature
- Absorbs UV radiation
- Metabolizes vitamin D
- Synthesizes epidermal lipids
What are the components of the dermis?
Collagen, elastic fibers, hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings, blood vessels.
Describe the role of the hypodermis.
Consists of loose connective tissue and fat cells, provides insulation and protection to underlying structures, plays a role in pressure ulcer prevention.
What are the sublayers of the dermis?
Papillary Dermis and Reticular Dermis.
What occurs during the inflammatory phase of wound healing (Day 1-10)?
Immune response, coagulation, cell necrosis, pathogen control, increased oxygen supply, and initiation of reepithelialization.
What are the five cardinal signs of inflammation?
Rubor (redness), calor (heat), dolor (pain), tumor (swelling), loss of function.
What characterizes the proliferative phase (Day 3-20)?
Fibroblast activity, angiogenesis, formation of granulation tissue, and differentiation into type I collagen.
What is the goal of the maturation phase (Day 9-2 years)?
Scar tissue remodeling, increased tensile strength, transition of scars in appearance, replacement of granulation tissue with less vascular tissue.
What factors influence the rate of wound healing during all phases?
Wound size, blood supply, nutrient availability, and external conditions.
What interventions are used for edema in wound healing?
: Compression (e.g., garments, bandages) is used for edema management, but it’s contraindicated in patients with arterial disease.
What role does oxygen play in wound healing?
Oxygen supports wound contraction, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and granulation. Adequate oxygenation reduces the risk of infections, while poor oxygenation increases infection risk. Edema and necrosis can limit oxygen delivery
What are the effects of dry wounds on healing?
Dry wounds allow scab and eschar formation, which inhibit epithelial cell migration, provide food for pathogens, impede blood flow, and cool the wound surface, all of which slow healing.
Why is moisture important in wound healing?
Adequate moisture softens scabs and eschar, allowing enzymes to dissolve them naturally. Moist wounds promote healing, while dry wounds can slow healing, increase infection risk, and delay epithelial migration.
Why are occlusive dressings preferred over dry dressings in wound care?
Occlusive dressings maintain moisture, prevent trauma, keep the wound warm, protect from bacteria, and support healing even in infected wounds (e.g., hydrocolloids).
What is the most important external factor for wound healing?
Wound hydration is the most crucial external factor for effective wound healing.
What is wound healing by primary intention?
Primary intention occurs when a wound is surgically closed using sutures, staples, glue, or grafts, resulting in faster healing.
What should be documented for wound characteristics?
Location, size (depth, width, length), shape, edges, tunneling/undermining, base characteristics, necrotic tissue, exudate, granulation tissue, epithelialization, exposed structures, periwound area, and pain patterns.
What is the gold standard for assessing the bio-burden of a wound?
Quantitative biopsy is the gold standard, though it’s more expensive and painful. Swab cultures are less reliable but commonly used.
Describe wound healing by secondary intention.
Secondary intention occurs when a wound is left open to heal through contraction and re-epithelialization without surgical closure.
What is wound healing by tertiary intention?
Tertiary intention (delayed primary closure) involves initially allowing a wound to heal by secondary intention before closing it surgically, often to treat infection before closure.
What is wound dehiscence?
Dehiscence occurs when a wound closed by primary intention reopens due to factors like maceration or infection, and it often then heals by secondary intention.
What are the typical signs of arterial ulcers?
Wounds on distal LEs (e.g., toes), cool skin, necrotic wound base, pain with elevation, decreased pulses, and trophic changes like abnormal nail growth and dry skin.
How is venous insufficiency characterized?
Inadequate venous drainage leading to edema, skin changes like hemosiderin staining, and ulcers near the medial malleolus. Often associated with minimal pain and a wet wound bed.
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
Long-term venous issues resulting in chronic ulcers, typically lasting 4 weeks to 3 months, with symptoms like swelling, aching, and skin changes
What is primary vs. secondary lymphedema?
Primary Lymphedema: Congenital/hereditary lymphatic abnormality (e.g., Milroy disease).
Secondary Lymphedema: Acquired due to lymphatic damage (e.g., after cancer surgery/radiation).