Skin Integrity and Tissue Healing (Unit 2)

Vocabulary flashcards covering skin anatomy, tissue healing concepts, wound types, pressure ulcers, risk factors, ulcer stages, and common skin rashes.

Epidermis

The outermost skin layer that provides a protective barrier and is avascular.

Dermis

The middle skin layer containing hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands, nerves, and blood vessels.

Hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue)

Deepest skin layer composed mainly of adipose tissue that cushions and insulates.

Muscle

Tissue beneath the skin that supports movement and is involved in underlying structure of the skin region.

Hair

Keratinized filament that grows from follicles; helps protect and regulate temperature.

Hair bulb

The living base of the hair follicle where hair growth begins.

Hair follicle

Structure in the dermis from which hair grows.

Sweat gland

Gland that produces sweat for thermoregulation (eccrine and/or apocrine types).

Sebaceous gland

Oil-producing gland associated with hair follicles; secretes sebum.

Sweat pore

Opening on the skin surface through which sweat exits.

Nerve (skin innervation)

Sensory endings in the skin that detect touch, pain, temperature, and position.

Artery (skin perfusion)

Blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the skin.

Adipose tissue

Fat tissue in the hypodermis that provides cushioning and insulation.

Tissue integrity

The state of structural and functional soundness of skin and mucous membranes.

Intact

Describes tissue with no disruptions or injuries.

Functional

Tissues performing their normal physiological roles.

Primary intention healing

Wound margins are well-approximated; fastest healing (e.g., surgical incision with sutures).

Secondary intention healing

Wounds with edges not approximated; granulation tissue fills the space; slower healing with more scarring.

Tertiary (delayed primary) intention healing

Wound left open to monitor infection and later closed when conditions are favorable.

Inflammation

Protective response to injury with redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Injury

Physical damage to tissue.

Blood clot (thrombus)

Clot that forms to stop bleeding and begin the healing process.

Proliferation (phase of healing)

New tissue formation and granulation tissue development.

Granulation tissue

New connective tissue and microvasculature formed during healing.

Neovascularization

Growth of new blood vessels within healing tissue.

Remodeling

Maturation and reorganization of collagen fibers to increase tissue strength.

Collagen fibers

Structural protein that provides strength to healing tissue and scars.

Scar formation

Replacement of normal tissue with fibrous tissue as healing completes.

Abrasion

Wound caused by scraping or eroding the surface of the skin.

Contusion

Bruise; injury to tissue without a break in the skin surface.

Laceration

Deep cut or tear in the skin.

Ulcer

Lesion with tissue breakdown and loss of skin surface.

Incision

Surgical cut made into the skin.

Deformity

Abnormal shape or function resulting from tissue damage.

Necrosis

Death of tissue.

Wound infection

Infection occurring in a wound due to pathogen invasion.

Nutrition

Dietary intake essential for tissue repair and healing.

Perfusion (circulation)

Blood flow to tissues; adequate perfusion supports healing.

Wound dehiscence

Separation of wound edges after closure.

Analgesics

Medications that relieve pain.

Antibiotics

Medications that treat or prevent infection.

Adequate circulation

Sufficient blood flow to support tissue healing.

Pressure ulcer

Localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure, especially with immobility.

Bony prominences

Areas where bone is close to the skin surface, increasing ulcer risk when cushion is minimal.

Edema

Swelling from fluid accumulation that can impair healing.

Ischemia

Inadequate blood supply to tissue.

Age

Older age is a risk factor for poorer wound healing.

Loss of sensation

Reduced ability to perceive pressure or pain, increasing ulcer risk.

Prolonged immobility

Staying in one position for long periods increases pressure on skin.

Friction/irritation

Mechanical irritation from clothing, equipment, sheets that can damage skin.

Moisture (sweat/urine)

Excess moisture can macerate skin and promote breakdown.

Personal hygiene

Care and cleanliness that protect skin from infection and breakdown.

Nutrition and hydration

Adequate intake supports tissue repair and healing.

Cognition alterations

Dementia or other cognitive changes affecting wound care and mobility.

Trauma

Injury that can include turning patients or wrinkled sheets causing skin damage.

Stage I pressure ulcer

Non-blanchable erythema of intact skin.

Stage II pressure ulcer

Partial-thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis; shallow open ulcer.

Stage III pressure ulcer

Full-thickness skin loss with damage to subcutaneous tissue; may appear as a deep crater.

Stage IV pressure ulcer

Full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle; often with undermining.

Unstageable pressure ulcer

Full-thickness tissue loss obscured by slough or eschar, preventing assessment of depth.

Rash

An area of red, swollen, or irritated skin; may be caused by allergies or irritation.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, often from contact or allergic reaction.

Hives (urticaria)

Raised, itchy welts on the skin due to allergic reaction or infection.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Reactivated varicella-zoster virus causing a painful, dermatomal rash.

Macule

Flat, colored spot on the skin with no elevation.

Papule

Small, raised, solid skin lesion less than 1 cm.

Pustule

Small pus-filled elevation on the skin.

Exudate

Fluid that drains from a wound or inflamed tissue.

Dermatitis (picture match)

Inflamed skin condition often due to irritants/allergens.

Hives (picture match)

Wheals or welts from an allergic reaction.

Shingles (picture match)

Painful dermatomal rash caused by varicella-zoster virus.

Macule or Papule

Macule: flat color change; Papule: raised solid lesion.

Pustule (picture match)

Pus-filled raised skin lesion.

Shingles rash (picture match)

River of vesicular rash along a dermatomal path.