WEEK 11 Flashcards
tissue integrity and gas exchange
what is the largest organ in the body
the skin
what percentage of body weight does the skin account for?
15%
what is the main function of the skin
is to provide a barrier against injury, infection, ultraviolet radiation (UV), and fluctuations in temperature changes.
what does the skin play an important role in
perception of touch, pain, pressure, and vibration
what are some other functions of the skin
elimination of waste, support of underlying structures, and synthesis of vitamin D.
what are the three layers of the skin
epidermis
dermis
subcutaneous layer of adipose tissue
adipose tissue
fatty tissue
epidermis
outermost layer of the skin
what kind of cells is the epidermis made of
squamous epithelial cells
provide a barrier against the external environment
what does the epidermis contain
keratinocytes
keratinocytes
Cells formed in the basal layer of the skin that function to protect the skin from the external environment.
The keratinocytes migrate from the basal layer of the skin to the more superficial layers. With time, these cells die and are removed from the skin through shedding.
what are some other cells found in the epidermis
melanocytes-produce melanin
Merkel cells-detect light touch, especially in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Langerhans cells-ingest and package foreign antigent to be presented to lymphocytes (trigger an immune repsonse in the epidermis)
what cells play a role in cutaneous immune system reactions in the epidermis
Langerhans cells
melanin
A pigment that determines the color of the hair and skin.
also absorbs radiant energy from the sun and protects the skin from harmful UV rays
dermis
The layer under the epidermis that is composed mainly of connective tissue and provides strength and flexibility of the skin.
what is the dermis composed of
connective tissues
capillaries
blood vessels
lymph vessels
subcutaneous tissue
composed mainly of adipose tissue is found under the epidermis and dermis
third layer of skin
insulates the body, absorbs shock, and pads the internal organs and structures. This layer also contains blood vessels and nerves that assist in thermoregulation and sensation.
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults at a community center about the functions of the skin. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)
The skin plays an important role in the production of vitamin D.
the skin protects against bacteria and viruses
the skin helps regulate the body temperature
clients are at risk during what part of lifespan?
early and late in life
what is common during infancy and early childhood in regards to skin integrity?
maceration (an irritation of the epidermis caused by moisture) and dermatits (a red skin irritation that develops when the skin is exposed to irritants such as feces, urine, stoma effluent, and wound secretions) may occur
what is common in later life in relation to skin integrity?
as collagen stores decrease, the skin thins and loses elasticity, placing clients at greater risk for the development of skin tears (loss of top layer of the skin caused by mechanical forces) and tissue trauma. Skin exposed to the sun may exhibit premature wrinkling, accelerating the aging process
what are some conditions that predispose clients to alterations in tissue integrity?
impairments in mobility, such as congenital conditions like spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and chronic diseases, including liver failure, kidney disease, and cancer.
each of these conditions contribute to skin frailty (At-risk vulnerable skin)
the most frequently occurring skin problems associated with skin frailty
kin tears, pressure injuries (localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, as a result of a pressure or pressure in combination with shear), and infections of the skin such as cellulitis (an infection of the superficial layers of skin).
how can nurses decrease risk of clients’ risk of developing skin breakdown?
Through their regular skin assessments, observation of environmental factors, and diligent implementation of prevention measures