Integumentary System (Chapter 18)

What is the benefit of using ice on an area of the skin?

Constricts blood vessels and blood flow decreases. Can help stop bleeding, minimize swelling, reduce pain.

How long do you apply ice/heat to the skin?

no longer than 20 minutes

How long should you apply heat?

no longer than 20 minutes

What happens to the integumentary system as we normally age?

skin loses elasticity (causing wrinkles) and becomes thinner, hair and nails grows slower, hair thins and turns gray, brown spots may appear on skin, skin becomes drier

What substance gives our skin its color?

Melanin

Closed wound

The skin's surface is not broken (ex. bruise or internal bleeding)

What is shingles?

"zoster". Viral infection that causes painful rash. It's caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Person who had chickenpox can get this disease. Pain/itching at the site, person may have chills/fever, severe pain may occur after rash is gone.

What stage is a pressure ulcer when you see the skin is intact?

1

What stage is a pressure ulcer when you see partial-thickness of skin loss and it looks like a blister?

2

What stage is a pressure ulcer when you see necrotic skin and you can possibly see bone?

3

What stage is pressure ulcer when it is full-thickness loss extending through all layers of skin, and possibly to muscle an bone?

4

Types of wounds

Abrasions, avulsions, incisions, lacerations, punctures, and contusions

What will happen if skin breakdowns are unreported?

Can worsen and become infected

Psoriasis

Chronic skin condition in which cells of the skin grow too fast

Bruise

Contusion. Internal damage or bleeding

List the functions of the skin

Covers and protects the body, provide sensations through nerves, regulates body temperature, and prevents the loss of too much water.

Gangrene

Death of tissue, caused by a lack of blood flow.

Eczema

Dermatitis. General term for a variety of skin problems. Can be a temporary or chronic skin disorder, in which redness, itching, burning, welling, cracking, or weeping of the skin can occur

2nd Degree burn (partial-thickness)

Dermis - Blisters, some skin damage, redness, pain, swelling

Why use heat on the skin?

Dilates blood vessels and blood flow increases. Relieve muscle tension, elevates temp, increases waste removal from the area, brings more oxygen and nutrients to the the tissues for healing.

Non-sterile dressings are applied for what purpose?

Dry wounds that have less chance of infection

1st degree burn (superficial)

Epidermis - Redness/pain/swelling

What are the 3 layers of skin?

Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaeous

3rd degree burn (full-thickness)

Epidermis, dermis, and underlying layer - Bubble, white, charred/black, peeled skin, very painful, serious scarring

Tinea

Fungal infection that causes red scaly patches to appear in a ring shape.

Skin cancer

Growth of abnormal skin cells.

Why is it important to report a possible skin breakdown to the nurse?

It can help prevent serious illnesses, and can be healed quickly before other complications can occur

Where do you typically see fungal infections?

Moist areas (toes, under breasts, groin area)

What does "intergument" means?

Natural protective covering

what is the skin?

Natural protective covering, or integument, and is the largest organ.

What is the first sign of skin breakdown?

Pale, white, or reddened skin. Darker skin may look purple`

What does Keratin do?

Protect the inside of the body when it gets wet (has waterproof qualities)

Wart

Rough, hard bumps. Contagious, caused by virus that invades the skin, usually through a cut or tear.

What is scabies?

Skin infection that causes pimple-like irritations to form on the skin. Irritations are caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs

Open wound

Skin that is not intact

What's all part of the integumentary system?

Skin, hair, nails, oil glands, sweat glands, subcutaneous tissue, and nerve endings.

What will moisture from applications do to the skin?

Strengthens the effect of heat and cold (but more likely to cause injuries)

What is a sitz bath?

Warm soak of the perineal area to clean perineal wounds and reduce inflammation and pain.

Sterile dressings are applied for what purpose?

When wound is new, open, or draining, or is at higher risk of infection