Study Guide Exam #1 Flashcards
Define ecchymosis
Bruising. Discoloration of skin from from bleeding underneath.
Explain the method for checking skin turgor
Check in the sternum. Pinch the skin and let it go. Watch to see how fast the skin goes back to normal.
List the functions of subcutaneous tissue
Loose connective tissue and fat. below dermis, above the muscle. Stores lipocytes (fat ells) for insulation and energy. Regulates temperature.
Compare and contrast: vesicle, papule, macule, pustule, petechiae, purpura, bullae
Vesicle - fluid or air filled sac.
Papule - Small raised pimple. No pus.
Macule - flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 cm wide that does not involve any change in the thickness or texture of the skin.
Pastule - a small blister or pimple on the skin containing pus.
Petechiae - a small red or purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin.
Purpura - rash of purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding from internal blood vessels
Bullae - a bubblelike cavity filled with air or fluid.
Compare and contrast the following heat loss terms: Give examples: Convection, Evaporation, Radiation, and Conduction
Convection - transfer of heat from skin to air. Fan
Evaporation - returning water to air through vapor. Sweating.
Radiation - giving off infrared heat rays to promote heat loss. Sun, fire.
Conduction - transfer of heat by direct contact. Cool cloth on forehead.
Describe “liver spots” and their cause
Flat tan, brown, or black spots on the skin common with age. caused primarily by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
Be able to identify and explain the difference between the layers of skin
Epidermis - Top most layer of the skin
Dermis - Contains important structures of hair, glands, blood vessels, and nerves.
Hypodermis or Subcutaneous - It cushions, supports, nourishes, and insulates the skin and it anchors skin to underlying tissues and organs
What are some actions, while caring for a client that could cause harm to the client’s skin?
Moving too rough, not moving the patient enough.
Discuss the fx of melanin
Brown-black pigment produced by melanocytes. Fx is to provide skin with color.
Explain how to collect a skin/wound specimen for culture and sensitivity test
With a cotton swab, placed directly in the middle for a fresh catch and place into a collection tube being careful to not touch the side of it.
Describe ways to care for client who has acne. What would you teach the client?
Not to pop them. Let them talk about their feelings. Wash face, but don’t scrub. Pat dry. Mild soap or prescribed soap.
What is cellulitis? How is it treated?
A serious bacterial skin infection. Without treatment with an antibiotic, cellulitis can be life-threatening. Erythema, tenderness, swelling, warm to touch. Common with diabetics.
Discuss the four different stages of pressure ulcers.
Stage 1 - Intact skin that does not blanch
Stage 2 - Partial thickness, for example a blister, superficial
Stage 3 - Full thickness, shallow to deep
Stage 4 - Full thickness down to muscle and bone, deep
What is tine corporis and tinea capitis?
Tinea corporis - ringworm. flat erythematous, pruritic, circular lesions with clear centers
Tinea capitis - Round, scaly, pustular, erythematous, on the scalp.
List a nursing diagnosis for someone with the beginning stages of a pressure ulcer
Skin changes r/t aging
What type of diet should be encouraged by a client with a pressure ulcer?
Healthy, lots of vitamins, keep skin hydrated and well circulated. High protein
Discuss shingles. Include cause, type of lesions, symptoms, treatment.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the herpes varicella virus. S/S unilateral vesicular rash, preceded by pain, pruritus.
TX acyclovir, analgesis, steroids, antipruritis lotions
Discuss the fx of sebaceous glands
Oil glands. Sebum waterproofs and lubricates the skin and hair
Discuss the teaching for the client prescribed clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
An anti fungal. For fungal infections. A cream that should be applied to the infected skin twice a day, for 1-2 weeks after the lesions are no longer present or what the provider prescribes.
What is scabies?
A contagious, intensely itchy skin condition caused by a tiny, burrowing mite.
Discuss herpes simplex virus. How would you describe the lesions associated with it?
unilateral vesicular rash
Discuss the teaching for the client prescribed calcipotriene (Dovonex). How does it work in the body?
Dovonex is a synthetic Vitamin D that is a topical epidermopoiesis suppressive medication. Inhibits cell growth.
Discuss impetigo. How long is it contagious?
A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face. Within days to weeks.
What is seborrheic keratosis? What are the S/S?
A noncancerous skin condition that appears as a waxy brown, black, or tan growth.
S/S
- Ranges in color, usually from light tan to brown or black
- Is round or oval shaped
- Has a characteristic “pasted on” look
- Is flat or slightly elevated with a scaly surface
- Ranges in size from very small to more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across
- May itch
