Skin Integrity and Wound Care Flashcards
Alterations in skin integrity can have a tremendous impact on
physical and psychological well-being
the skin weight more than
6lbs
skin is involded in
thermoregulation
how is skin involved in thermoregulation
through its ability to dilate and constrict blood vessels, allowing for heat to be released or retained by the body
The skin is involved in the production of vitamin
D
Intact skin serves as an effective barrier to
environmental hazards
what is the skin’s normal PH?
acidic
why is the skin acidic?
provides a protective mechanism against pathogens
skin is composed of three main layers:
epidermis
dermis
subcutaneous
The epidermis can be subdivided into five more layers:
stratum corneum
stratum lucidum
stratum granulosum
stratum spinosum
stratum germinativum or Basale
The outermost of the epidermal layers is the
stratum corneum
The innermost layer of epidermal
stratum germinativum
the dermis is between
epidermis and subcutaneous layer
who is thicker dermis or empidermis
dermis
subcutaneous layer delivers
blood supply to the dermis, provides insulation, and has a cushioning effect
subcutaneous layer size depends on
body location and person’s weight, sex, and age.
Factors Affecting Skin Integrity
Wounds
Vascular disease
Diabetes
malnutrition
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs
anticoagulants
excessive moisture
external forces
aging
diabetes also affect
the skins PH level
Medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) occur when
superficial layers of skin are removed by medical adhesive
MARSI not only affects skin integrity but also causes
pain, increases risk of infection, potentially increases wound size, and delays healing
Wounds are also classified on the basis of
wound depth
superficial, or partial thickness, versus deep, or full thickness are
wound calssification
An open wound is
an actual break in the skin’s surface
closed wound is
bruising