Module 13 - integumentary

Question 1

What assessments are done for pt with problems occuring in the skin?

Answer 1

• Allergies: asthma, food, environmental factors
• When first appeared was any other substance ingested: food, chemical, medication
• Associated pain, itching, loss or increase of sensation
• Aggravating factors: exposure to light
• Objective assessment: distribution, size, morphological characteristic, and arrangement (signs and symptoms of infection)

Question 2

What are the goals when nursing a child with integumentary system disorders?

Answer 2

• Assessment of lesion
• Maintenance of skin integrity – wound care
• Medication administration
• Patient teaching

Question 3

Atopic Dermatitis (infantile eczema)
Causes and S+S?

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity reaction; Genetic link (seen with asthma and allergic rhinitis)

• Skin barrier becomes leaky and allows water to escape (because it starts to break down)
• Skin becomes dry – leads to itching (scratching introduces bacteria)
• Red flaky skin, sometimes cracks or tiny blisters

Question 4

Tx for atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Answer 4

• May be linked to allergies… limit exposure to
• Dry Skin… moisturizer
• Itching… Do not scratch, trim nails and clean

Question 5

Dermatitis is an inflammatory process in the skin. What can cause contact dermatitis? Diaper dermatitis?

Answer 5

• Contact with a chemical or irritant: poison ivy, oak, animal source or medications
• pH of urine increases activity of fecal enzymes (lipase and protease) causing breakdown of the skin

Question 6

what is acne vulgaris

Answer 6

Inflammatory disorder of sebaceous glands and skin follicles
• Blockage of hair follicles from keratin or sebum “black head”
• Bacterial overgrowth leads to immune cells – “white head”
• Foods DO NOT trigger a reaction
• Regular well balanced diet

Question 7

Tx for acne vulgaris

Answer 7

• Topical treatment: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (removes top keratin layer)
• Antibiotics (topical or systemic)
• Oral contraceptives
• Vitamin A treatments (Accutane) - for more severe types, dries out skin; do not drink, DO not give to preg women

Question 8

• Size of burn calculated as percentage of total body surface (TBSA). TBSA is helpful for what?

Answer 8

Determine hydration

Question 9

Care of Minor Burns

Answer 9

• Stop the burning process
• cool water ONLY
• Cared for at home, visits to clinic for dressing changes
• Clean ointment as ordered, loose drsg.
• Pain relief meds

Question 10

what are Complications of skin disorders?

Answer 10

• Secondary infection
• Disfiguration
• Fluid/electrolyte imbalances
• Contractures
• Pulmonary edema – watch out for fluid overload, carefully watch I/O
• Shock