Observation and Cognition

skin

what is the largest organ in the body?

edema

observation of skin gives preliminary data about:

CV and pulmonary systems

inflammation and ____

infection (redness/swelling)

Cellulitis

a common bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues.

It causes redness, swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected area.

typically occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin.

extensibility

ability to be stretched

dehydration

tenting of the skin on the hand can signify ____

soles; palms

hair is normally found over the entire body except on the ____ of the feet, ____ or the hands and portions of the genitalia

alopecia

hair loss

can be associated with disease or medication side effect

can be associated with aging, but typically only in the frontoparietal scalp (any other areas are a concern)

clubbing

bulbous fingertips with loss of normal nail plate angle

nails may be cyanotic and spongy

caused by long term hypoxia due to CP diseases such as congenital heart defects and CF

jaundice

yellow discoloration of sclera, skin, and mucous membranes

associated with excessive levels of bilirubin

pallor

paleness associated with decreased levels of oxyhemoglobin and local blood flow

ecchymosis

a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically caused by bruising.

erythema

reddened area of the skin caused by increased blood flow

flushing

diffuse redness of the face or another area of the body

petechiae

tiny red or purple hemorrhagic spots caused by capillary bleeding with subsequent leakage of blood into the skin

can be the sign of something minor or major or a reaction to a medication

central cyanosis

diffuse skin color changes in central aspects of the body (head, trunk) as well as color changes in mucous membranes

peripheral cyanosis

color changes in nail beds and lips owing to decreased cardiac output, exposure to cold, or arterial/venous obstruction

infectious reasons for petechiae

- endocarditis

- meningococcemia

- mononucleosis

- rocky mountain spotted fever

- scarlet fever

- sepsis strep throat

- viral hemorrhagic fevers

- other medical conditions

noninfectious reasons for petechiae

- leukemia

- vasculitis

- thrombocytopenia

- scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

- vitamin K deficiency

UMN lesions

MORE (unregulated innervation)

spasticity

hyperreflexia

positive babinski (toes point up)

clonus

weakness and atrophy (disuse)

>

with an UMN lesion the flexors ___ the extensors in the LEs

>

with an UMN lesion the extensors ___ the flexors in the UEs

LMN lesions

LESS

hypotonia or flaccidity

hyporeflexia

weakness and atrophy (denervation)

fasciculations

negative babinski (toes point down)