Health Assessment - Module 4: Skin, Hair, and Nails

Practice flashcards covering the components, functions, anatomy, and health assessment of the integumentary system, including skin lesions, cancer types, and pressure ulcer staging.

Which components make up the integumentary system and what information do they provide?

The skin, hair, and nails comprise the integumentary system, which provides information about overall health status, medication effects, vitamin deficiencies, skin disease, hydration, and internal homeostasis.

What are the primary functions of the skin?

Functions include sensation and perception, thermoregulation, fluid balance, synthesis of vitamin D, excretion, immunity, and protecting the internal environment from the external environment.

What is the replacement timeframe for the epidermis?

The epidermis is replaced every $3-4$ weeks.

What is the primary role of the subcutaneous layer (adipose tissue)?

It attaches the dermis to bones and muscle, providing protection and insulation while storing fat.

How do Vellus hair and Terminal hair differ?

Vellus hair is transparent and characteristic of the prepubertal stage, whereas Terminal hair is darker, pigmented, and characteristic of the adult stage.

What is the function of the eponychium?

The eponychium is comprised of live skin cells and produces the cuticle.

What is the approximate growth rate for fingernails?

Fingernail growth is approximately $1\text{ mm}$ per week.

Which gland is responsible for producing sebum?

Sebaceous glands.

What is the purpose of a skin biopsy?

To obtain a tissue sample for microscopic examination to help diagnose diseases, infections, or skin cancer.

Where should a nurse assess for cyanosis in a patient?

In the lips, oral mucosa, tongue, and extremities.

How should a nurse assess for jaundice in dark-skinned individuals?

Examine the sclerae and hard palate in natural (not fluorescent) light, looking for a yellow color.

What does the ABCDE mnemonic stand for when assessing moles?

A: Asymmetry, B: Borders (uneven), C: Color (dark black or multiple colors), D: Diameter (greater than $6\text{ mm}$), E: Evolving (changing size, shape, or color).

What is the definition of a macule?

A circular, small, flat, nonpalpable spot less than $1\text{ cm}$ in diameter that differs in color from the surrounding skin.

Which skin condition is characterized by a solid, elevated spot measuring less than $1\text{ cm}$ in diameter?

A papule.

How is a plaque characterized in a skin assessment?

A patch of closely grouped thickened papules measuring greater than $1\text{ cm}$ across, often red, brown, or pink with a rough texture.

What is the difference between a vesicle and a bulla based on size?

A vesicle is a raised, circumscribed, fluid-filled lesion less than $1\text{ cm}$ in diameter, while a bulla is greater than $1\text{ cm}$.

What is a keloid?

Thick, raised fibrous tissue created by excessive collagen production extending beyond the original boundaries of a wound or incision.

Where is the best location to assess skin turgor for hydration status?

The clavicle area.

What are petechiae?

Tiny, pinpoint hemorrhages less than $3\text{ mm}$ caused by superficial bleeding from capillaries, often related to platelet deficiencies.

How is purpura defined in terms of size and appearance?

A flat, red or purple hemorrhagic spot or rash that does not blanch and measures $3-10\text{ mm}$.

Which skin cancer is the most common form of cutaneous malignancy?

Basal cell carcinoma.

What are the characteristics of Squamous cell carcinoma?

A cutaneous malignancy arising from keratinocytes that is thick, rough, scaly, and has a crusted surface with irregular borders.

What is Alopecia areata?

The loss of hair in patches on the scalp or beard.

What is hirsutism?

Excessive growth of thick, dark hair in women.

What does a nail base angle of greater than $160^{\circ}$ suggest?

Early clubbing, which is associated with chronic hypoxia.

What is the clinical significance of spoon nails (concave nails)?

They may be related to iron deficiency, nutritional disease, or systemic disease.

What is the normal timeframe for capillary refill?

Less than $2$ seconds.

What are the characteristics of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer?

Partial thickness skin loss involving both the epidermis and the dermis.

What defines an unstageable pressure ulcer?

A wound where the bed is covered with necrotic material such as eschar or slough, making it impossible to visualize the wound bed.

What is the difference between undermining and tunneling in a wound?

Undermining is a pocket under the edges of a wound, while tunneling is a narrow passageway from the wound bed into adjacent tissues.

What characterizes a Stage 1 pressure ulcer?

Non-blanchable erythema where the skin remains intact.

What are the four common types of wound exudate?

Serous, serosanguineous, sanguineous, and purulent.

What is dehisence?

A complication in wound healing where the edges of the wound fail to remain approximated and pull apart.

What is tinea capitis?

Ringworm of the scalp.

How is a wheal defined?

Raised swelling, red bumps, or welts that are itchy and usually caused by an allergic reaction.