Screening of integument Flashcards
Mobility of the skin is impacted by
Hydration
Aging
Edema
Turgor assessment
Pinch skin
Lift
Release
Positive turgor assessment
Skin remains lifted for greater than or equal to 5 seconds
Best sites to assess turgor
Subclavicular
Extensor surface of the forearm
Dorsum of hand areas
Skin assessment beyond turgor and mobility
Edema
Skin temperature
Changes in skin color
Characteristics of skin temperature
Could be indicative of infection and presence of edema
When is edema an extra cause of concern?
When it is bilateral and symmetrical
What can cause edema?
Heart failure
Renal failure
Liver failure
Venous insufficiency
What causes herpes, shingles, and chicken pox?
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
VZV lies dormant in…
Nerves
Characteristics of pain and lesions from VZV
Follow nerve/dermatome distribution
Usually unilateral
VZV can cause
Chronic pain
Hearing/vision loss
Adults with shingles are contagious to…
those who have not had chicken pox
What can cause jaundice?
Hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Cancer
Liver failure
What happens when bilirubin level reaches 5-6 mg/dl?
Yellowing of the skin
Palmer erythema
Spider angioma
Nail of terry
What can cause rubor?
Peripheral vascular disease
What else does peripheral vascular disease cause?
Hair loss on feet and toes
Nails thickened
Thin skin
(signs related to arterial insufficiency)
What is the most common form of “skin pre-cancer”
Actinic Keratoses
What is Actinic Keratoses
Scaly or crusty growth from UV exposure
Where does actinic keratoses usually develop?
Face, bald scalp, lips, back of hands
What often happens to the skin due to actinic keratoses
Often becomes red, tan, pink, or flesh-toned
Actinic keratosis may progress to…
squamous cell carcinoma
Actinic keratosis affects how many americans?
Around 58 million americans
Risk factors for actinic keratoses
Fair complexion (blonde or red hair)(blue, green, or grey eyes)
Closer to equator increases risk
Men affected greater than women
Caucasians affected greater than darker skin toned people
Basic skin screening questions
How long have you had this?
Has it changed in the last 6 weeks to 6 months
Has your doctor seen it or aware of it?
Does it itch, hurt, feel sore, or burn?
Have you had any other symptoms of any kind or skin changes anywhere else on you body?
What is the method for screening for skin cancers?
A, B, C, D, E
What does A stand for in A, B, C, D, E?
Asymmetry
What does B stand for in A, B, C, D, E?
Border of lesion is irregular
What does C stand for in A, B, C, D, E?
Color of lesion (multiple colors/hues)
What does D stand for in A, B, C, D, E?
Diameter of lesion bigger than pencil eraser
What does E stand for in A, B, C, D, E?
Evolution or elevation (changing appearance)
