Patient Assessment & Nursing Skills: Skin, Hair and Nails

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to patient assessment and the nursing skills associated with skin, hair, and nails, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Skin

The largest organ of the body, weighing approximately 9 lbs and involved in various functions including protection, temperature regulation, and sensation.

Perception Functions

Functions of the skin that include touch, pressure, and temperature perception.

Sebaceous Gland

A gland in the skin that secretes oil to lubricate the skin and hair, contributing to skin's barrier function.

Vellus Hair

Fine, short, pale hair that grows over the entire body.

Terminal Hair

Thicker, pigmented hair found on the scalp and eyebrows.

Nail Matrix

The tissue located under the base of the nail, responsible for nail growth.

Capillary Refill

A test used to assess circulation; performed by pressing on a nail until it pales and timing how long it takes to return to pink.

Eczema

A common skin condition characterized by itchy and inflamed skin.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches.

Clubbing

A condition where the nails curve downward, often indicating chronic respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

Herpes Simplex

A viral infection that causes sores on the skin, commonly around the mouth or genital area.

Inspection

A physical examination technique that involves visually examining the skin, hair, and nails for abnormalities.

Palpation

A physical examination technique used to assess conditions through touch, evaluating temperature, moisture, texture, and thickness of the skin.

Milia

Small, white bumps that commonly occur on the face; they occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin.

Senile Lentigines

Commonly known as age spots, these are flat, brown spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin as people age.

Cutaneous Tags

Small, benign growths on the skin often associated with aging.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an optimal temperature in the body, primarily managed through the skin.

Folliculitis

Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

Inspect and Palpate

The dual process in examination that includes both visual inspection and tactile assessment.

Stress

A psychological factor that can impact skin health, often leading to conditions like eczema or psoriasis.