Integumentary Disorders of the Adult Client Flashcards
(116 cards)
Burn
Cell destruction of the layers of the skin caused by heat, friction, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that has an affinity for hemoglobin 200 times greater than that of oxygen. Poising occurs from the inhalation of carbon monoxide. Oxygen molecules are displaced and carbon monoxide reversibly binds to hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin. Tissue hypoxia results.
Deep full-thickness burn
Injury extends beyond the skin into underlying fascia and tissues, and muscle, bone, and tendons are damaged. Appears black and sensation is completely absent. Eschar is hard and inelastic; lack of pain due to nerve endings destruction. Healing is months with grafts required.
Deep partial-thickness burn
Injury extends deep into the dermis.
No blisters; Wound surface is red and dry with white areas in deeper part; May or may not blanch; moderate edema. Can convert to full-thickness burn if tissue damage increases with infection, hypoxia, or ischemia.
Heals 3-6 weeks; scar formation and skin grafting may be needed.
Full-thickness burn
Involves injury and destruction of the epidermis and the dermis. Will not heal by reepithelialiazation; grafting may be needed. Dry, hard, leathery eschar; waxy white, deep red, yellow, brown or black; edema; sensation is reduced. Healing weeks-months. Burn requires removal of eschar. Scarring.
Herpes zoster (shingles)
An acute viral infection of the nerve structure caused by varicella-zoster. Herpes zoster is contagious to individuals who never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated against the disease.
Pressure ulcer
Area of tissue damage that occurs as a result of skin and underlying soft tissue compression from pressure between a surface and a bony prominence.
Shingles
Same as the herpes zoster infection. An acute viral infection of the nerve structure caused by varicella-zoster. Herpes zoster is contagious to individuals who never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated against the disease.
Skin cancer
A malignant lesion of the skin that may or may not metastasize.
Smoke inhalation injury
Respiratory injury that occurs due to inhalation of products of combustion during a fire.
Superficial partial-thickness burn
Involves injury that extends into the dermis; blood supply reduces.
Large blisters; edema; mottled pink to red base, broke epidermis with wet, shiny, weeping surface. Painful and sensitive to cold air. Heals 10-21 days with no scarring, but may have pigment changes. Grafts may be used if healing process is prolonged.
Superficial-thickness burn
Involves injury to the epidermis; blood supply to the dermis still intact.
Mild-severe erythema (pink to red), no blisters.
Skin blanches with pressure; pain is eased by cooling. Discomfort last 48 hours, healing occurs in 3-6 days. No scarring.
The skin is the largest ______ of the body.
sensory organ
Layers of the skin
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis (subcutaneous fat)
Epidermal appendages
- Nails
- Hair
- Glands (Sebaceous & Sweat)
Normal bacterial flora
- Gram-positive and gram-negative staphylococci
- Pseudomonas sp.
- Streptococcus sp.
A pH of _____ halts the growth of bacteria
4.2-5.6
Risk Factors for Integumentary Disorders
- Exposure to chemical and environmental pollutants
- Exposure to radiation
- Race and age
- Exposure to sun or indoor tanning
- Lack of personal hygiene habits
- Harsh soaps
- Medication (long-term use of glucocorticoid and herbals)
- Nutritional deficits
- Infection
- Repeated injury and irritation
- Genetics predisposition
- Systemic illnesses
Phases of Wound Healing
- Inflammatory
- Fibroblastic
- Maturation
Inflammatory Phase
Begins at time of injury and lasts 3-5 days;
Local edema, pain, redness, and heat.
Fibroblastic Phase
Begins the 4th day after injury and last 2-4 weeks;
Scar tissue forms and granulation tissue forms in the tissue bed.
Maturation Phase
Begins as early as 3 weeks after the injury and may last 1 year;
Scar tissue becomes thinner and is firm and inelastic on palpation.
Healing by intention - First Intention
Wound edges are approximated and held in place (ex. with sutures) until healing occurs; wound if easily closed and dead space is eliminated.
Healing by intention - Second Intention
Occurs with injuries or wounds that have tissue loss and require gradual filling in of the dead space with connective tissue.