Patient with Integument Problems Flashcards
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
Fair Skin (blond/red hair, blue eyes) History outdoor activities Living near the equator or high altitudes Family/Personal history of skin cancer Having an outdoor occupation Indoor tanning
What is the name for nonmelanoma cancer that is locally invasive cancer from basal cells and how do they present?
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Erythematous, pearly, sharply defined, slightly elevated plaques
What is the name for the nonmelanoma cancer that comes from keratinizing epidermal cells and how do they present?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Thin, scaly, erythematous plaque
Can be aggressive
What features you would assess on the skin if you suspect it to be a malignant melanoma?
Asymmetry - Shape of one half does not match the other?
Border irregularity - Edges ragged, notched, blurred/pigment spread into surrounding skin?
Color uneven - black, brown, tan, white, gray, red, pink, blue?
Diameter changes in size and is larger than 6mm?
Evolving/Elevation - Has it changed over time?
What are the risk factors for bacterial infections of the skin?
Excess moisture Obesity Atopic dermatitis Systemic corticosteroid/ antibiotic use DM
True or False: Exudate from a bacterial infection is infectious
True
Prevention for bacterial infections
Good skin hygiene
Infection control practices
Cellulitis Manifestations
Inflammation of SQ tissue –> hot, tender, erythematous area with diffuse borders, chills, malaise, fever
What is a potential complication of cellulitis if left untreated
Gangrene
What kind of infection is cellulitis?
Bacterial infection
Treatment for cellulitis?
Local –> moist heat, immobilization, and elevation to decrease swelling
Systemic –> antibiotics; hospitalize if severe (progression to gangrene possible if not treated)
What is a symptom of Herpes Zoster (Shingles)?
Burning pain and neuralgia along dermatome
How often should adults over 60 years old get the Zostavax vaccine to prevent shingles?
One time dose for adults > 60 yrs
Why is the early detection of skin cancer more common?
Visible lesions
Risk factors for malignant melanomas
Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development
Where can Candidiasis fungal infections be located?
Mouth
Vagina
Skin
What integumentary structures are most susceptible to fungal infections?
Skin
Hair
Nails
What are Stephen Johnson Syndrome and Toxic epidermal necrolysis a reaction to?
Allergy –> Immune response due to severe adverse reaction to medications or infection
Stephen Johnson Syndrome and TEN cause acute destruction of the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes
Symptoms of rare, life-threatening allergy skin problems (TEN, Stephen Johnson Syndrome)
Fever, cough, headache, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, precede skin and mucous membrane findings by 1-3 days
Prevention of insect bites and infestations (examples: pediculosis/lice, bedbugs, ticks, scabies)
Meticulous hygiene (hair, skin, clothes, sexual partner, pets, bedding) Prevent bites (avoidance repellents) Routine skin inspections (esp. if traveling to high-risk areas)
Causes of irritation of insect bites and infestations
Allergy to venom
Eggs, feces, or body parts of invading organism
True or False: Psoriasis is a benign skin problem
True
Most common form of psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis –> lesions are distinct, red, scaling
Common groups that psoriasis presents in
15-35 years old
Family history
Treatment for psoriasis
Phototherapy (UV light)
Treatment for basal or squamous skin cancer
Radiation therapy
Nursing Management of skin problems
Wet compresses (room temp) Tepid water baths Lotions while skin is damp Topical medications Control itching (cool environment, hydration, avoiding scratching, antipruritic creams, systemic antihistamines)
Ringworm
Tinea corporis
Jock itch
Tinea cruris
Athlete’s foot
Tinea pedis
HPV Symptoms
Warts in genital area or anywhere in body; usually preventable with vaccine
Integument interprofessional care includes…
Phototherapy (UV light)
Radiation therapy (for basal or squamous cell cancer)
Laser technology
Drug therapy (antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines, immunomodulators)
Diagnostic/surgical therapy (scraping, punch biopsy, etc)
What to keep in mind when using steroids for skin issues
Use judiciously, esp. if not low-potency
What are antihistamines used for related to skin issues?
Urticaria
Pruritus
What do immunomodulators do?
Suppress overreactive immune systems
What type of disease is psoriasis?
Chronic autoimmune disease
In what age group does psoriasis usually develop?
Usually develops in 15-35 year olds
Is psoriasis familial?
Yes
Can psoriasis be painful?
Yes
Up to 40% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic ______
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis can be emotionally disabling because…
Body image disturbance
How are fungal infections usually treated?
Topical anti-fungal creams or solutions
