Skin/Burns Flashcards
Review the most important skin conditions and burns.
What are petechiae and purpura?
Purple or red colored spots on the skin that occur when a small blood vessel bursts.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/300/485/280/a_image_thumb.png?1581687478)
What is ecchymosis?
Bruising of the skin.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/300/484/916/a_image_thumb.png?1581686976)
What is a spider angioma?
Small broken blood vessels on the surface of the skin.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/917/437/a_image_thumb.png?1581992543)
They occur in the elderly and are not a concern. It also occurs with clients who have liver disease.
What are Steven’s Johnson syndrome and Toxic epidermal necrolysis?
(Immediate complication)
Really bad adverse reactions of many meds that cause a severe rash all over the body.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/744/734/a_image_thumb.png?1581688023)
Always let the HCP know if you notice a rash, especially after the client starts a new med.
What is the general teaching to prevent a skin disorder from getting worse?
- not scratch the rash or damaged skin
- keep nails short
- not pick sores or lesions
- wear loose clothing
What is the client at risk for when there is an open wound or rash?
Infection, due to a break in the skin.
How often are clients turned to prevent pressure ulcers?
At least every 2 hours.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/755/758/a_image_thumb.png?1582853399)
What is pruritus?
Itchy skin.
It is common for clients to receive diphenhydramine to decrease itching.
What is serous wound drainage?
Clear or straw-colored.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/755/897/a_image_thumb.png?1583325798)
It is a normal finding.
What is purulent wound drainage?
Thick, yellow, green, brown or tan.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/756/988/a_image_thumb.png?1583325818)
It indicates an infection.
What is serosanguinous wound drainage?
Pale red and watery.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/758/405/a_image_thumb.png?1583325844)
It is a normal finding.
What is sanguineous wound drainage?
Bright red.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/758/565/a_image_thumb.png?1583325861)
It indicates active bleeding.
What are the 3 main layers of the skin?
- epidermis: top layer
- dermis: includes blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands
- hypodermis: subcutaneous fat
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/758/708/a_image_thumb.png?1581687358)
What are the steps to getting a skin or wound culture?
- clean area first with normal saline going from close to the wound to away from the wound
- debride if needed
- use a sterile applicator or nasal swab to get a sample
- put in container
- send to lab
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/808/420/a_image_thumb.png?1583340294)
When are antibiotics started: before or after collecting the culture?
AFTER the culture is collected.
Describe:
Candida albicans
An infectious fungal disease of the skin.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/861/802/a_image_thumb.png?1581825090)
It is also called a yeast infection, thrush, or oral candidiasis.
Risk factors:
Candida albicans
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/862/146/q_image_thumb.png?1582852110)
Frequently due to a decreased immune system from:
- chemotherapy
- steroids
- immunosuppressed
- long term antibiotics
On what areas of the body is candida albicans frequently found?
In warm, moist places where fungus likes to grow such as:
- skin folds
- mouth
- vagina
- under breasts
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/862/343/a_image_thumb.png?1582852137)
Interventions:
Candida albicans
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/862/487/q_image_thumb.png?1582852179)
- keep skin folds dry
- antifungal such as fluconazole or nystatin powder or suspension
Describe:
Cellulitis
An infection of the skin caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. It frequently causes one leg to be red and edematous.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/862/652/a_image_thumb.png?1582638446)
The client is treated with antibiotics, and warm compresses.
Describe:
Acne vulgaris
A chronic skin disorder that occurs more often in teenagers due to hormone changes.
What are acne lesions called?
- “zits”
- blackheads (closed comedones)
- whiteheads (open comedones)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/899/008/a_image_thumb.png?1583502906)
Prevention and treatment:
Acne vulgaris
- don’t pick at face
- gently wash the face using prescribed topical agents
- benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics may be prescribed
- wear sunscreen
- keep hands off face
Describe:
Psoriasis
A chronic non-infectious inflammatory skin disorder.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/894/059/a_image_thumb.png?1582467653)
The cause is not known.
What do psoriasis lesions look like?
Silvery-white scales on a raised, reddened, round plaque.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/894/212/a_image_thumb.png?1581687779)
It normally affects the scalp, knees, elbows.
Medications:
Psoriasis
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/299/898/391/q_image_thumb.png?1582852535)
Focus on decreasing the inflammation. The most common meds are:
- steroids
- salicylic acid to soften the plaque
Describe:
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
An allergic skin reaction that is itchy. There are small blisters and redness.
The cause is unknown but there is a higher risk if other allergies are present.
Teaching:
Eczema
- use warm water to bathe, not hot water
- don’t bathe every day
- use mild soap
- apply non-scented lotions