Skin Flashcards
Is the following statement true or false? Wound healing is impaired by ageing.
It’s true. Wound healing is impaired by ageing as a result of changes occurring in the skin itself and in other body systems. Diseases like diabetes mellitus cause vascular damage that impairs wound healing. The changes in wound healing increase the risk of pressure sores developing.
Is the following statement true or false? The epidermis is the site of most blood vessels and nerves in the skin.
It’s false. The epidermis is mainly made up of dead cells with some melanocytes and immune cells (Langerhans cells). The blood supply and nerves for the skin are located in the dermis.
Is the following statement true or false? The interdigitations that link the epidermis and dermis become flattened with age thus weakening the connection between the layers.
It’s true. The loss of interdigitations between the epidermis and the dermis decreases the strength of the skin and increases the risk of pressure sores developing, especially of patients slide over surfaces.
Is the following statement true or false? The skin loses strength with age, primarily due to a loss of collagen.
It’s true. Most of the loss of strength occurs as a result of the loss of collagen in the dermis.
Is the following statement true or false? Moisture is an important risk factor for pressure sores so moisturisers should be avoided in older people.
It’s true that moisture is an important risk factor for pressure sores. For example people who have urinary incontinence are more likely to develop pressure sores. But the use of moisturiser improves skin integrity and decreases the incidence of pressure sores. Regular application of moisturiser is important for the skin of older people.
Is the following statement true or false? The number of sensory receptors in the skin decreases as people age.
It’s true. The number of sensory receptors in the skin does decrease as people age meaning that they are slower to detect threats. This increases the risk of injury.
What are the 2 ways in which pressure sores can develop?
Pressure sores can develop because blood flow to the skin is decreased or because shearing forces have damage the connection between the dermis and epidermis.
Is the following statement true or false? Itching in the absence of a rash indicates that the skin is viable and pressure sores are unlikely to develop.
It’s false. Itching in the absence of a rash is a bad sign and may indicate the development of a pressure sore, especially in people with problems like diabetes.
Is the following statement true or false? Pressure sores can develop in a matter of hours.
It’s true. Pressures sores can develop extremely quickly.
Is the following statement true or false? The skin of older people very rarely tans but can be very susceptible to sunburn.
It’s true. Although the skin of older people does not tan readily (due to fewer melanocytes) it is still very susceptible to sunburn.
Is the following statement true or false? Changes in the skin associated with ageing make older people more likely to bruising response to minor trauma.
It’s true. With ageing the epidermis becomes thinner, and the dermis loses strength and elasticity meaning that the blood vessels in the dermis are more susceptible to damage.
