Foundations Exam 2 Flashcards
(242 cards)
components of the integumentary system include…
hair, skin, nails, sweat glands
body’s largest organ system
skin
functions of the skin
waterproof, protective barrier body temperature regulation vitamin D synthesis sensory perception non verbal communication & identity wound repair waste excretion
three main layers of the skin
epidermis (most superficial), dermis, subcutaneous tissue (deepest)
components of the epidermis
most superficial layer
thin (just a few cells thick)
avascular
two layers: outer (dead keratinized cells) and inner (cell layer where melanin, keratin formed)
components of dermis
vascular
connective tissue
sebaceous and sweat glands
hair follicles
components of subcutaneous tissue
adipose/fatty tissue
directly below dermis–loose later (inc. mobility over underlying structures)
fat for: energy, temp regulation, cushioning
4 pigments that contribute to normal skin colors
melanin, carotene, oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin
melanin
brownish pigment
amount genetically determined
amount inc. with more sun exposure
carotene
golden yellow pigment
in subQ fat and heavily keratinized areas (palms, soles)
oxyhemoglobin
bright red pigment
predominates @ arteries, capillaries
blood flow through skin: more (reddening), less (pale pallor)
deoxyhemoglobin
darker bluish pigment
increase amount @ cutaneous vessels: bluish color (cyanosis)
abnormal skin pigments
jaundice, cyanosis
jaundice
yellow color pigment
bilirubin deposits @ skin
secondary to liver disease, biliary duct obstruction, and increased destruction of RBCs
first seen: hard/soft palate junction, sclera of eyes, then @ skin over rest of body
best way to assess jaundice?
in direct natural sunlight
where is jaundice first seen?
junction of hard and soft palate and sclera of eyes
cyanosis
bluish color pigment
nonspecific sign
peripheral (dec. cutaneous blood flow, normal arterial O2 levels–possibly normal response to cold, anxiety)
central (arterial O2 levels low)
hard to assess in people with darker pigmented skin
how do you identify decreased oxygenation in lighter vs darker pigmented persons?
lighter: cyanosis
darker: rely on clinical signs of dec. oxygenation @ brain
skin turgor is….. and it measures…
skin elasticity (ability to promptly return to place when released), hydration status.
sign of decreased skin turgor
tenting when pinched
causes of decreased skin turgor
age (thinning of dermis, reduced elastin)
dehydration
examination of skin, hair, nails is _________ throughout the rest of the comprehensive examination
integrated…not a separate step!
major components of skin assessment:
color, color change, temperature, moisture, thickness, texture, mobility/turgor, edema, lesions, pressure ulcer risks, skin cancer
skin color assessment
general pigmentation, skin tone even, consistent with genetic background, increase/loss of pigmentation, color change (pallor, redness, central/peripheral cyanosis, jaundice, carotene)