Skin Integrity and Wound Care Flashcards
Exam 3
What are the three main structures of the skin?
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Subcutaneous
Epidermis
Protective waterproof layer of keratin
How are the cells of the Epidermis?
Cells have no blood vessels of their own
Regenerates easily and quickly
Dermis
Elastic tissue made primarily of collagen
What is the Dermis made up of?
Nerves, hair follicles, glands, immune cells, and blood vessels
Subcutaneous
Anchors the skin layers to underlying tissues
Functions of the Skin:
- Protection
- Body temp regulation
- Psychosocial
- Sensation
- Vitamin D production
- Immunologic
- Absorption
- Elimination
Cross section of Normal Skin
Slide 4
What are factors affecting the skin
- Unbroken and healthy skin and mucous membranes
- Resistance to injury is affected by age
- Adequately nourished and hydrated body cells
- Adequate circulation
What does unbroken and health skin and mucous membranes do?
Unbroken and healthy skin and mucous membranes defend against harmful agents
Resistance to injury of skin is affected by?
Resistance to injury is affected by age, amount of underlying tissues, and illness
What does adequately nourished and hydrated body cells do?
Adequately nourished and hydrated body cells are resistant to injury
What is adequate circulation of skin necessary for?
Adequate circulation is necessary to maintain cell life
In children 2 years and younger, how does the skin compare to adults?
In children younger than 2 years, the skin is thinner and weaker than it is in adults
How is an infant’s skin? How is a child’s skin?
An infant’s skin and mucous membranes are easily injured and subject to infection;
a child’s skin becomes increasingly resistant to injury and infection
When does the structure of skin change?
The structure of the skin changes as a person ages; the maturation of epidermal cells is prolonged, leading to thin, easily damaged skin
How is the skin of older adults?
Older adults: circulation and collagen formation are impaired, leading to decreased elasticity and increased risk for tissue damage from pressure
Causes of skin alterations
- Very thin and very obese people are more susceptible to skin injury
- Fluid loss during illness causes dehydration and predisposes skin to breakdown
- Jaundice
- Diseases of the skin, such as eczema and psoriasis, may cause lesions that require special care
What does Jaundice do to the skin?
Jaundice causes yellowish, itchy skin
Types of wounds?
- Intentional (surgical) or unintentional (traumatic)
- Neuropathic or vascular
- Pressure related
- Open or closed
- Acute or chronic
- Partial thickness, full thickness, complex
Wound terminology
Incision
Contusion
Abrasion
Laceration
Puncture
Penetrating
Avulsion
Chemical
Thermal
Irradiation
Pressure ulcers
Venous ulcers
Arterial ulcers
Diabetic ulcers
What is the first line of defense against microorganisms?
Intact skin is the first line of defense against microorganisms
What is used in caring for a wound?
Careful hand hygiene is used in caring for a wound
How does the body respond to trauma?
The body responds systematically to trauma of any of its parts