Maintaining Good Skin Integrity

Question 1

What is another name for ‘Skin’?

Answer 1

Cutaneous membrane

Question 2

What are the names of the 3 layers of skin?

Answer 2

1. Epidermis (top protective layer)
2. Dermis (mid layer)
3. Hypodermis (deep subcutaneous, inner layer)

Question 3

What is the ‘Integumentary System’?

Answer 3

Covers entire surface of body

Largest organ in the body

Consists of Cutaneous Membrane (skin) & Accessory Structures (hair, nails, nerves, glands)

Question 4

How do we keep skin healthy?

Answer 4

Avoid prolonged pressure, shear, & friction

Question 5

What are ‘Decubitus Ulcers’?

Answer 5

Pressure sores

Bed sores

Question 6

What causes Decubitus Ulcers?

Answer 6

Prolonged pressure

Friction (rubbing on skin)

Shearing (skin is pulled against bone)

Dehydration

Malnutrition

Excess moisture on skin (incontinence)

Question 7

How do Decubitus Ulcers form?

Answer 7

Unrelieved pressure over bony prominences

Question 8

What are the 4 stages of a wound/DU?

Answer 8

STAGE 1:
REDDENED SKIN -
20 mins - Superficial damage

STAGE 2:
BLISTER -
Top layer(epidermis) of skin damaged

STAGE 3:
WOUND THROUGH ALL LAYERS OF SKIN -
Proof of inadequate preventative action

STAGE 4:
INVOLVES UNDERLYING MUSCLE & BONE -
Life-threatening infection, amputation, surgery

Question 9

What are the sources of shearing & friction?

Answer 9

Dragging or sliding the patient

Question 10

At what angle do we raise the bed to minimize shearing?

Answer 10

30 degrees

Question 11

Where do DU’s occur?

Answer 11

Over bony prominences