Integumentary System and Nutrition for Nursing

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, wound and burn care, and nutritional considerations for vegan and vegetarian diets based on NCLEX-PN standards.

Epidermis

The outer, avascular layer of the skin that serves as a waterproof, keratinized barrier containing melanocytes and Langerhans immune cells.

Dermis

The thick connective tissue layer of the skin that houses blood vessels, nerves, glands, hair follicles, collagen, and elastin.

Hypodermis

Also known as the subcutaneous layer, it is composed of adipose and loose connective tissue that insulates the body and anchors skin to muscle and bone.

Stratum Corneum

The outermost epidermal layer consisting of $20$ to $30$ layers of dead, keratin-filled cells that form a tough waterproof barrier that is continually shed.

Stratum Lucidum

A thin, clear band of flat dead cells found only in thick skin, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Stratum Basale

The deepest epidermal layer which is the site of constant mitosis and home to melanocytes and Merkel touch cells.

Langerhans cells

Immune cells located in the stratum spinosum that detect and trap invading pathogens.

Sebaceous gland

A gland located in the dermis that secretes oily sebum to lubricate the skin and hair.

Eccrine sweat gland

A coiled gland that releases watery sweat to cool the body through thermoregulation.

Apocrine sweat gland

A gland that produces thick sweat in the axillae and groin, which often causes body odor.

Arrector pili

A tiny muscle attached to hair follicles that contracts to produce goosebumps.

Turgor

A measure of skin elasticity tested by tenting the skin over the sternum; a slow return signals dehydration.

Macule

A flat primary skin lesion characterized by an area of color change under $1\,cm$ in size, such as a freckle.

Papule

A raised, solid primary skin lesion under $1\,cm$ in size, such as a mole.

Vesicle

A small fluid-filled blister on the skin.

ABCDE Rule

A mnemonic for melanoma assessment: Asymmetry, Border irregular, Color varied, Diameter over $6\,mm$, and Evolving.

Braden Scale

A clinical tool used to score pressure injury risk based on sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction.

Stage 1 Pressure Injury

Intact skin with non-blanchable redness, usually over a bony prominence.

Stage 2 Pressure Injury

Partial-thickness skin loss presenting as a shallow open ulcer or a blister.

Stage 3 Pressure Injury

Full-thickness skin loss where subcutaneous fat is visible, but muscle, tendon, or bone are not exposed.

Stage 4 Pressure Injury

Full-thickness skin loss with exposed muscle, tendon, or bone.

Hemostasis

The immediate first phase of wound healing where a clot forms and bleeding stops.

Proliferative Phase

The third phase of wound healing occurring from day $4$ to day $21$ where granulation tissue fills the wound and the wound contracts.

Serosanguineous Drainage

A type of wound exudate characterized by a pale pink, blood-tinged watery fluid.

Purulent Drainage

A thick yellow or green wound exudate that signals the presence of an infection.

Rule of Nines

A method used to estimate the extent of burns in adults: Head $9\%$, each arm $9\%$, each leg $18\%$, front trunk $18\%$, back trunk $18\%$, and genitals $1\%$.

Vegan

A strict vegetarian diet pattern that excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey.

Vitamin B12

A nutrient found naturally only in animal products; strict vegans must supplement this to prevent irreversible nerve damage.

Non-heme iron

The form of iron found in plant foods which is less absorbable than animal-based iron; absorption is enhanced when paired with Vitamin C.

Megaloblastic Anemia

A condition characterized by large red blood cells (high MCV) and fatigue, often caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Microcytic Anemia

A condition characterized by small red blood cells (low MCV) and pallor, commonly caused by iron deficiency.