HPA SKIN , HAIR AND NAILS
Pressure ulcer sage II
Broken skin with presence of a blister/superficial skin loss of epidermis alone or w/dermis
Blue color to skin or mucous membranes due to increased amount of unoxygenated hemoglobin (decreased perfusion). Dark-skinned look for changes in level of consciousness and signs of respiratory distress.
Cyanosis
Encapsulated fluid-filled cavity in dermis or subcutaneous layer, tensely elevating skin
Cyst
encapsulated fluid-filled or semisolid mass of subcutaeous tissue
Cyst
Diameter greater than 6mm
D
Look in oral mucous membranes. Normally looks smooth and dry. Dark skin may look dry and flaky but thats normal. Abnormal looks dry and lips look parched and cracked.
Dehydration
-AKA fingerprints -Connects the dermis to the epidermis
Dermal Papillae
-Inner layer of skin -Made up of connective tissue that contains collagen and elastic fibers -Origin of sebaceous glands, sweat glands, hair follicles
Dermis
Vascular; when you cut yourself its the dermis that bleeds and hurts; connective tissue/collagen and elastic tissue
Dermis
Profuse perspiration, accompanies an increased metabolic rate, such as in heavy activity or fever
Diaphoresis
Distinct, individual lesions that remain separate
Discrete
For superficial ulcers, new pink or shiny tissue that grows in from the edges or as islands on the ulcer surface
Epithelial Tissue
What does the Erector Pilli muscle do?
Erector Pilli muscle responds to cold or fright, causing hair to stand erect
Intense redness of the skin from excess blood (hyperemia) in the dilated superficial capillaries, as in fever or inflammation. Dark skinned can't see redness so palpate the skin for increased warmth, taut or tightly pulled surfaces, hardening of deep tissues or blood vessels.
Erythema
Self-inflicted abrasion; superficial; sometimes crusted; scratches from intense itching
Excoriation
Linear crack with abrupt edges, extends into dermis, dry or moist
Fissure
An adult male client visits the clinic and tells the nurse that he believes he has athelete's foot. The nurse observes that the client has linear cracks in the skin on both feet. The nurse should document the present of
Fissures
Pink or beefy red tissue with a shiny, moist, granular appearance
Granulation Tissue
Clusters of lesions
Grouped
Twisted, coiled spiral, snakelike
Gyrated
Color, texture, distribution, lesions
Hair
What type of cell tissue is hair made up of?
Hair consists of layers of keratinized cells found over most of body except sensitive/private areas
Where does a hair develop?
Hair develops within epidermis at base of hair follicle where it is nourished
Skin lesion due to benign proliferation of blood vessels in the dermis
Hemangioma
A bruise you can feel. It elevates the skin and is seen as swelling
Hematoma
Traumatic or pathological changes in previously normal structures
Lesions
Tightly packed set of papules that thickens skin. From prolonged intense scratching. Looks like surface of moss (or lichen)
Lichenification
Scratch, streak, line, or stripe
Linear
Benign fatty tumor
Lipoma
Softening of skin tissue by soaking
Maceration
A client visits the clinic for a routine physical examination. The nurse prepares to assess the client's skin. The nurse asks the client if there is a family history of skin cancer and should explain t the client that there is a genetic component with skin cancer especially
Malignant Melonoma
While assessing an adult client, the nurse observes freckles on the client's face. The nurse should document the presence of
Malucles
Skins ease of rising; reflects the elasticity of the skin
Mobility
Red-pink tones of oxygenated hemoglobin in blood is lost, skin takes on the color of CT/collagen. Looks pale/white. Dark-skinned absence of underlying red tones that normally give it luster. Looks yellowish-brown, ashen, or gray.
Pallor
Something you can feel (solid, elevated, circumscribed, <1cm); caused by superficial thickening in epidermis (moles)
Papule
Macules that are larger than 1cm
Patch
Papules coalesce (come together) to form surface elevations wider than 1cm. A plateaulike, disk-shaped lesion.
Plaque
While assessing an adult client, the nurse observes an elavted, palpable, solid mass with a circumscribed border that measures 1 cm. The nurse documents this a
Plaque
Annular lesions grow together
Polycyclic
When a lesion develops on previously unaltered skin
Primary Lesions
View the index finger at its profile and note the angle of the nail base; Normal 160 degrees or less.
Profile sign
Itching
Pruritus
Compact, desiccated flakes of skin, dry or greasy, silvery or white, from shedding of dead excess keratin cells
Scale
After a skin lesion is repaired, normal tissue is lost and replaced with connective tissue (collagen). This is a permanent fibrotic change
Scar
A dark- skinned client visits the clinic because he "hasn't been feeling well." To assess the client's skin for jaundice, the nurse should inspect the client's
Sclera
-All over body because they attach to hair follicles -Secrete an oily substance known as sebum
Sebaceous Gland
Produce a protective substance that is secreted through hair follicles, which oils and lubricates the skin and hair and retards water loss from skin
Sebaceous glands
When a lesion changes over time or changes because of a factor such as scratching or infection
Secondary Lesions
Protective barrier, prevents penetration, perception (self-concept), temp regulation, identification (ethnic groups), communication, wound repair, absorption and excretion, production of vitamin D
Skins functions
Yellow or white tissue that adheres to the ulcer bed in strings or thick clumps
Slough
The nurse is instructing a group of high school students about risk factors associated with various skin cancers. The nurse should instruct the group that
Squamous cell carcinomas are most common on body sites with heavy sun exposure
Horny cell layer; cells constantly shed
Stratum Corneum
Basal cell layer; inner layer; forms new skin cells; produce melanin
Stratum Germinativum
The darker thicker hair that grows on the scalp, eyebrows, pubic area, axillae, face, and chest
Terminal hair
-AKA peach fuzz -Short, pale, fine, and present over most of body
Vellus Hair
Hair fine, faint hair that covers most of the body
Vellus hair
Elevated cavity containing free fluid, up to 1cm; a blister. Clear serum flows if wall is ruptured (herpes)
Vesicle
The nurse is preparing to examine the skin of an adult client with a diagnosis of herpes simplex. The nurse plans to measure the size of the client's
Vesicles
a macular or papular rash
Viral exanthem
The skin plays a vital role in temperature maintenence, fluid and electrolyte balance, and synthesis of vitamin
Vitamin D
A client's skin color depends on melanin and carotene contained in the skin and the
Volume of blood circulating in the dermis
Raised red skin lesion due to interstitial fluid(erythematous); transient(lasting a short time); slightly irregular shape due to edema (mosquito bite)
Wheal
Pallor is considered
abnormal
Skin odor is considered
abnormal
Skin redness accompanied by warmth is considered
abnormal
Skin fluoresces blue-green under UV light is considered
abnormal (indicates fungus)
>2 second capillary nail-bed refill
abnormal due to respiratory or cardiovascular disease causing hypoxia
Beau's lines are indicative of
acute illness (will eventually grow out to normal)
Increased angle of the between nail base and skin greater than 180 degrees
clubbing → occurs with hypoxia and therefore cigarette smokers.
Excessive scaliness on scalp may indicate
dermatitis
Chemical exposure to nails
dry, splinter hemorrhage due to trauma of nail bed
Decreased skin mobility is associated with
edema
Skin losing its turgor because of a decrease in elasticity and collagen fibers is associated with
elderly people
Iron deficiency anemia is associated with
hair loss
generalized hair loss for several months may indicate
hypothyroidism
Dull, dry hair can be associated with
hypothyroidism; malnutrition
Pressure ulcer sage IV
muscle, bone, & other supportive tissue affected
A solid palpable mass
nodule
When poor hygiene is observed, the nurse should remain
non-judgemental
Amounts of melanin found in darker or olive skinned people is considered
normal
Freckle-like pigment in dark skinned person's nail bed is considered
normal
Frecklelike or dark streaks of pigmentation in sclera and nailbeds in dark skinned people is considered
normal
Freckles are considered
normal
Lighter-colored palms, soles, nailbeds, and lips in dark skinned people is considered
normal
Pinch skin & easily and immediately returns to its original position in younger to middle aged clients is considered
normal
Pinch skin & easily and it DOSN'T immediately returns to its original position in older clients is considered
normal
Sagging or wrinkled skin appeared in the facial, breast, and scrotal areas is considered
normal
Small amounts of melanin in whiter skinned people is considered
normal
Sparse dandruff is considered
normal
Stretch marks are considered
normal
Unremarkable moles are considered
normal
Calluses are considered
normal (when skin is under constant pressure)
Dark skinned clients may have
thicker nails (normal)
Older clients may have nails that appear
thicker, yellow, brittle because of decreased circulation of extremities.
Pustules with hair loss in patches can be associated with
tinea capitis (contagious fungal infection)
Full-thickness tissue loss where base of ulcer is covered by slough (yellow, tan, gray, brown) and/or eschar (tan, brown or black) in wound bed
unstageable
White patches are called
vitiligo
use cm
Size
3 layers: epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous layer
Skin
Note any color or odor
Exudate
A primary function of hair in the nose and eyelashes is to serve a
Filter for Dust
A female client visits the clinic and complains to the nurse that her skin feels "dry." The nurse should instruct the client that skin elasticity is related to adequate
Fluid Intake
(boil) suppurative inflammatory skin lesion due to infected hair follicle
Furnucle
localized collection of blood creating an elevated ecchymosis associated with trauma
Hematoma
Cushing's disease is associated with
Hirsutism (facial hair on females) due to imbalance of adrenal hormones.
Occurs with an increased metabolic rate such as in fever or after heavy exercise. trauma, infection, or sunburn
Hyperthermia
Generalized coolness. Used for surgery or high fever. expected with immobilized extremity
Hypothermia
A 20 year-old client visits the outpatient center and tells the nurse that he has been experiencing sudden generalized hair loss. After determining that the client has not recieved radiation or chemotherapy, the nurse should further assess the client for signs and symtpoms of
Hypothyroidism
While assessing the nails of an older adult, the nurse observes early clubbing. The nurse should further evaluate the client for signs and symptoms of
Hypoxia
Shape and contour, consistency, color
Nails
Black, brown, or tan tissue that adheres firmly to the wound bed or ulcers edges and may be either firmer or softer than surrounding skin
Necrotic Tissue
Circumscribed skin lesion due to excess melanocytes
Nevus (mole)
Elevated skin lesion, >1 cm diameter
Nodule
Solid, elevated, hard/soft, >1cm. May extend deeper into dermis than papule.Nodule solid, elevated, hard/soft, >1cm. May extend deeper into dermis than papule.
Nodule
Dry, itchy skin is common in
Obese clients
An adult white client visits the clinic for the first time. During assessment of the client's skin, the nurse should assess for central cyanosis by observing the client's
Oral mucosa
Squamous cell carcinoma is associated with
Overall amount of sun exposure
Raised lesions on scalp may indicate
infections or tumor growth
Skin redness accompanied by warmth is a sign of
inflammation, allergic reactions, or trauma
Lesions often result from
irritation or disease
Nail disorders may be indicative of
local problem and/or systemic problem
Is it generalized, localized to area of a specific irritant; around jewelry, watchband, around eyes
location and distribution on body
Flat non-palpable skin color change that can be brown, red, white, tan, or purple is called
macule
Whiteheads/tiny white facial papules on infants face
milla (usually disappear spontaneously within a few weeks of birth)
Healed scars are considered
normal
Somewhat paler appearance is considered normal in
older people (due to decreased melanin production and decreased dermal vascularity)
Clubbing of the nails is indicative of
oxygen deficiency
Mottlling of the skin is associated occurs when
oxygenation is altered to skin or tissue
Skin breakdown as reddened areas can result in
painful pressure ulcers
Assess skin texture by palpating with
palmar surface of three middle fingers
An elevated palpable, solid mass that is smaller than a nodule
papule
Infection of the nailbed is called
paronychia
Lupus erythematosus is associated with
patchy skin & butterfly rash on face
The grouping or distinctness of each lesion; annular, grouped, confluent, linear
pattern or shape
Very dry scalps and dry, fragile hair is normal in
people of African decent
Blue-tinged fingers and toes due to vasoconstriction
peripheral cyanosis
Round red or purple macule 1-2mm
petechia
To assess skin turgor
pinch skin on sternum to determine how quickly it returns to shape
Potential cause of skin odor
sweat gland disorder or poor hygiene
A circumscribed, elevated mass with fluid
vesicle or bulla (determined by size)
Fungal nail infection
yellow discoloration
Linear arrangement along a nerve route
zosteriform
The nurse assesses an older adult bedridden client in her home. While assessing the client's buttocks, the nurse observes that a small area of the skin is broken and resembles an erosion. The nurse should document the client's pressure ulcer as
Stage II
-Last layer of skin, below the dermis -Contains fat cells, blood vessels, nerves, etc. -Insulates internal body heat -Protects/cushions bones and internal organs
Subcutaneous
Layer made up of adipose tissue (fat), aids protection by cushioning,
Subcutaneous
Connecting the skin to underlying structures is/are the
Subcutaneous tissue
previous history of skin disease, change in mole, change in pigmentation (size or color), excessive dryness or moisture, pruritus (itching), excessive bruising, rash or lesion, medications, hair loss, change in nails, environmental or occupational hazards, self-care behaviors
Subjective data
An adult male client visits the outpatient center and tells the nurse that he has been experiencing patchy hair loss. the nurse should further assess the client for
Symptoms of stress
Iris, resembles iris of eye, concentric rings of color in the lesions
Target
Skin lesion due to permanently enlarged and dilated blood vessels that are visible
Telangiectasia
-Characterized as the scalp or eyebrows -Usually darker, longer, coarser hair -Puberty initiates the rest of terminal hair mostly in armpit, legs, and private areas
Terminal Hair
An oily scalp is considered
abnormal
Cold skin is considered
abnormal
A sudden abnormal patchy loss of hair
alopecia --> may result from infections, discoid or SLE, and some chemo.
Blue-tinged color around abdomen & chest
central cyanosis
Blue-tinged color around lips and mouth
circumoral cyanosis
Pustules on scalp is a sign of
folliculitis (infections of the hair follicle)
Asians and Native Americans
have fewer sweat glams & body odor
Cold skin can be a sign of
hypotension; arterial disease
Rough, flaky, dry skin is seen with
hypothyroidism
Honey colored exudate in a vesicular rash is indicative of
impetigo
The apocrine glands are dormant until puberty and are concentrated in the axillae, the perineum, and the
Areola of the breast
Pallor (loss of color) is considered abnormal. What are possible causes?
Arterial insufficiency Decreased blood supply Anemia
Very thin skin can be associated with
Arterial insufficiency or in those on steroid therapy
To assess for anemia in a dark- skinned client, the nurse should observe the client's skin for a color that appears
Ashen
Resulting skin level depressed with loss of tissue; a thinning of the epidermis
Atrophic Scar
Border irregularity: notching, scalloping, ragged edges or poorly defined
B
An adult female client visits the clinic for the first time. The client has many bruises around her neck and face, and she tells the nurse that the bruises are the "results of an accident." The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing
Domestic Abuse
Elevation and enlargement
E
Round irregular macular lesion
Ecchymosis
Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands originate from the
Eccrine Glands
Produces dilute saline solution (sweat)
Eccrine glands
Fluid accumulating in the intercellular spaces
Edema
Allows the skin to stretch with body movements
Elastic tissue
Flat or raised
Elevation
Appendages hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine), nails
Epidermal
-Outer layer of skin composed of 4 layers -Completely replaced every 3-4 weeks -Stratum germinativum undergoes cell division and contains melanin
Epidermis
Avascular; just a protective layer; uniformly thin; derivation of skin color; 2 layers-stratum germinativum and stratum corneum
Epidermis
Press down and color disappears then release and color reappears quickly
Blanching
While assessing an adults client's feet for fungal disease using a wood light, the nurse documents the presence of a fungus when the fluroescence is
Blue
Elevated cavity containing free fluid larger than 1cm diameter; usually single chambered (unilocular); superficial in epidermis; it is thin walled, so it ruptures easily (burns)
Bulla
Color variation: areas of brown,tan, black, blue, red, white, or combination
C
Scooped out, shallow depression. superficial; epidermis lost; moist but not bleeding; heals without scar because is does not extend into dermis
Erosion
Depress the nail edge to blanch and then release, noting the return of color in 1-2 seconds
Capillary refill
orange skin pigment from excessive carotene intake (carrots or vegetables with the orange pigment)
Carotenemia
Pressure ulcer sage III
epidermis dermis, & subcutaneous breakdown
dehydration can be revealed on the skin by
examining for decreased turgor
While assessing the skin of an older adult client, the nurse observes that the client has small yellowish brown patches on her hands. The nurse should instruct the client that these spots are
Caused by aging of the skin in older adults
Asymmety: not regularly round or oval, two halves of lesion do not look the same
A
Overly warm skin can be a sign of a
febrile state; hyperthyroidism
The nurse is assessing an African American client's skin. After the assessment, the nurse should instruct the client that african american persons are more susceptible to
Chronic discoid lupus eyrthematosus
The nurse is assessing a dark- skinned client who has been transported to the emergency room by ambulance. When the nurse observes that the client's skin appears pale, with blue- tinged lips and oral mucosa, the nurse should document the presence of
A great degree of cyanosis
The wound is completely covered with epithelium
Closed/Resurfaced
While assessing the nails on an adult client, the nurse observes Beau lines. The nurse should ask the client if has had
A recent illness
Flattening of the angle between the nail and its base to 180 degrees
Clubbing
Diaphoresis (profuse sweating) can be accompanied with
fever; hyperthyroidism
Flat skin lesion with only a color change
Macule
Flat skin lesion with only a color change. < 1cm (freckles)
Macule
Elevated mass with transient boarders
Wheal
mnemonic for melanoma A B C D E
A=asymmetrical B=irregular boarders C=color variations D=diameter 1/8" to 1/4" E=elevated
Danger signs for abnormal characteristics or pigmented lesions
ABCDE
Epidermis's outer layer thins and flattens. Wrinkling occurs bc the underlying dermis thins and flattens. Less elasticity/elastin, collagen, and subcutaneous fat. Reduction in muscle tone. Sweat glands and sebaceous glands decrease in number and function, leaving dry skin.
Aging Adult Skin
baldness (hair loss)
Alopecia
Circular; begins in the center and spreads to periphery (ring worm)
Annular
Produce a thick milky secretion and produces a musky odor
Apocrine glands
What are some Characteristics of Nails?
-Located on distal end of phalanges and toes -Grows from cuticle -Nail body extends over entire nail bed and has a pink tinge to it because of underlying blood vessles -Protects distal end of fingers and toes
What are the two types of sweat glands and what is their purpose?
1. *Eccrine sweat gland*- located all over the skin; secretes sweat and thermoregulates body 2. *Apocrine sweat gland*- associated with hair follicles in sensitive/private parts of the body; non-functional until puberty; linked with menstrual cycle
What are the three layers of the skin?
1. Epidermis 2. Dermis 3. Subcutaneous
What are the 4 layers of the Epidermis?
1. Stratum corneum 2. Stratum lucidum 3. Stratum granulosum 4. Stratum germinativum
What are the 2 types of hair?
1. Vellus 2. Terminal
angle between nail base & skin
160-degrees
Lesions run together (hives)
Confluent
Tough fibrous protein that enables the skin to resist tearing
Connective tissue/collagen
A large patch of capillary bleeding into tissues. Color is red-blue or purple immediately after or within 24hrs >blue to purple>blue-green> yellow >brown-disappearing. Bruise in dark skinned is deep dark purple. Pressure on bruise does not cause it to blanch
Contusion/bruise
Lunula
Crescent shaped area located at base of nail
Thick, dried-out exudate left when vesicles/pustules burst or dry up. Color red-brown, honey, or yellow, depending on the fluids ingredients
Crust
The only layer of the skin that undergoes cell divisions is the
Innermost layer of the epidermis
Target shape of skin lesion
Iris
Spoon nails are indicative of
Iron deficiency
Yellow color to skin, palate, and sclera due to excess bilirubin in blood. Early jaundice in sclera and hard palate.
Jaundice
An African American female client visits the clinic. She tells the nurse that she had her ears peirced several weeks ago, and an elevated, irregular, reddened mass how now developed at the ear lobe. The nurse should document a
Keloid
Hypertrophic scar. Elevated beyond site of original injury by excess scar tissue. May increase long after healing occurs. looks smooth, rubbery, "clawlife", and has a higher incidence among blacks.
Keloid
The nails, located on the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes, are composed of
Keratinized epidermal cells
Nail problems may arise from
Psoriasis Fungal infections Trauma
Red-purple skin lesion due to blood in tissues from breaks in blood vessels
Purpura
Elevated cavity containing turbid fluid (pus); acne
Pustule
A client who is an active outdoor swimmer recently received a diagnosis of discoid systemic lupus erythematosus. The client visits the clinic for a routine examination and tells the nurse that she continues to swim in the sunlight 3 times a week. She has accepted her patchy hair loss and wears a wig on occasion. A priority nursing diagnosis for the client is
Risk for Ineffective health maintenance related to deficient knowledge of effects of sunlight on skin lessions.
Compact desiccated flakes of skin from shedding of dead skin cells
Scale
Larger than a few cms in diameter, firm or soft, deeper into dermis; may be benign or malignant
Tumor
It's ability to return to place promptly when released; reflects the elasticity of the skin; used to determine dehydration
Turgor
Sloughing of necrotic inflammatory tissue that causes a deep depression in skin. Extending into dermis; irregular shape; may bleed; leaves scar when heals
Ulcer
skin loss extending past epidermis
Ulcer
Skin integrity of obese female clients should be checked
Under the breast, limbs, or groin (due to these areas having high friction and moisture)
To assess an adult's clients skin turgor, the nurse should
Use two fingers to pinch the skin under the clavicle
Short, Pale and fine hair that is present over much of the body is termed
Vellus
linear crack in the skin
fissure
Decreased moisture can be associated with
dehydration; hypothyroidism
Rough dark skin around the neck is an indication of
diabetes mellitus
Term for a patient with profuse sweating
diaphoresis
Assess skin texture by palpating
dorsal/palmar surface of hands and fingers
Silvery white appearance of the skin
psoriasis
Pressure ulcer sage I
red without skin breakdown
Normal, blemishes on skin associated with aging and UV from sun. From light brown to red or black and are located in areas most exposed to sun (hands, face, shoulders,arms and forehead)
senile lentigines (liver spots)
Cold skin can be a sign of
shock
Clammy skin is typical with
shock; hypotension