Skin Integrity Objectives Flashcards
A patient has a pressure injury on the coccyx measuring 5 cm by 3 cm that is covered with eschar. How should the nurse classify this wound?
A. Stage 2 pressure injury
B. Stage 3 pressure injury
C. Stage 4 pressure injury
D. Unstageable pressure injury
Answer: D.) Unstageable pressure injury
Rationale: Eschar is a black, leathery covering made up of necrotic tissue. An ulcer covered in eschar cannot be classified using a staging method because it is impossible to determine the depth
A patient is recovering from a ruptured appendix. Because the surgeon did not surgically close the wound, the nurse knows the wound will heal by:
A. Primary intention
B. Secondary intention
C.Tertiary intention
D. Approximation
Answer: A.) Secondary Intention
Rationale: Secondary intention healing occurs when a wound is left open, and it heals from the inner layer to the surface by filling in with beefy, red granulation tissue.
Age factor that affects skin integrity for the older adults include what
Sebaceous and sweat gland activity decreases resulting in drier skin
Xerosis
Lose lean body mass and the subcutaneous tissue layer thins
the dermal layer loses elasticity due to changes in collagen fibers
these changes make the skin prone to breakdown and prolong wound healing - which is why an older persons skin takes twice as long as a younger adult
All chronic wounds should be considered
contaminated
Can you delegate position changes
yes, but your responsibility to make sure its done and done correctly
Can you grade wounds with eschar
no - can not tell how deep it is
Contamination /infection of clean surgical wounds not see until
4th or 5th day
Contamination of traumatic wounds - infection symptoms appear -
within 2-3 days
describe a stage 1 pressure sore
Localized area of intact skin with nonblanchable redness, usually over a bony prominence but not maroon or purple discoloration.
The area may be painful, firm, soft, or warmer or cooler as compared with adjacent tissue.
Discoloration will remain for 30 minutes after pressure is relieved.
Describe stage 2 pressure injury
Involves partial-thickness loss of dermis.
but shallow and with a red pink wound bed.
May also be an intact or open/ruptured serum-filled blister, or a shiny or dry shallow ulcer without slough or bruising.
Describe stage 3 pressure injury
A deep crater characterized by full-thickness skin loss with damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue. Adipose is visible.
Bone/tendon is not visible or directly palpable.
Describe stage 4 pressure injury
Involves full-thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or support structures.
Exposed bone/tendon is visible or directly palpable.
Do not ________ bony prominences
massage
how can chemotherapeutic medications affect skin integrity
delay wound healing due to cellular toxicity
how does anti-inflammatory medications affect skin integrity
EX. NSAIDs and steroids inhibit wound healing
how does anticoagulants medications affect skin integrity
EX. heparin and warfain can lead to extravasation of blood into subcutaneous tissue as a result minimal pressure or injury can cause hematoma
How does blood pressure medications affect skin integrity
decreases the amount of pressure required to occlude blood flow, creating a risk for ischemia
How does edema effect skin
decreases skin elasticity and interferes with the diffusion of oxygen to the cells making skin more prone to breakdown
How long does the Inflammatory phase and what does it consist of?
lasts from 1 to 5 days and consists of two major processes hemostasis and inflammation
impaired ______ restricts activity, produces pain, and leads to muscle atrophy and thin tissue that can lead to ischemia and necrosis
arterial circulation
impaired ______ results in engorged tissues containing high levels of.metabolic waste products making tissue susceptible to edema, ulceration, and breakdown
Venous circulation
impaired _______ interfere with tissues metabolism and delay wound healing
vascular system
lifestyle factors that affect skin integrity
tanning (exposure to UV radiation )
Hygiene (to many washing can break down the skin)
regular exercise and good nutrition is a necessity
smoking compromises the oxygen that can get to the tissues and skin
Mobility factor that affects skin integrity include what
a healthy person moves and shifts position unconsciously when they sense pressure or discomfort
clients who are un able to move independently, increases the pressure on the muscle that is not be using (sitting in a wheelchair)
people with limited mobility can have a higher risk for injury to the skin
Pressure ulcers are directly caused by which condition at the site?
A. Compromised blood flow
B. Edema
C. Shearing forces
D. Inadequate venous return
Answer: A. Compromised blood flow
Rationale: Pressure ulcers are caused by unrelieved pressure that compromises blood flow to an area, resulting in ischemia (inadequate blood supply) in the underlying tissue.
Scars are only _____% as strong as original tissue
80
Stage 2 pressure ulcers do not involve
sloughing or bruising
What are some nursing interventions you can do to minimize pressure injuries
monitoring sites of bony promises (turn client )
Managing moisture (changing when they are wet applying moisture barriers)
Dressings (to keep site dry and away from infection or worsening)
Minimize pressures (by turning client regularly )
What are the advantages/risks of dry heat treatment and how is it applied?
may be applied with electric heating pads, disposable hot packs, or hot water bags. Electric heating pads have the advantage of providing a constant temperature, but the risk of burns is high. Aquathermia pads may also be used for dry heat application. Disposable hot packs and hot water bags or bottles are also available
what are the six categories of the braden scale
sensory perception moisture activity mobility nutrition friction shear
What are the two distinct layers of the skin
Epidermis and the Dermis
What does cold treatment (cooling baths, cold compresses, or dry cooling) do to the body
The application of moist or dry cold causes vasoconstriction and decreases capillary permeability.
It produces local anesthesia, reduces cell metabolism, increases blood viscosity, and decreases muscle tension. It also slows bacterial growth
What does the dermis layer of the skin consists of ?
thinner second layer
contains blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, bases of hair follicles, and subcutaneous and sweat glands
provides strength and elasticity to the skin and is generously supplied with blood vessels