health assesment

Skin

Largest organ that protects underlying tissues and structures.

Epidermis

Outer skin layer, replaced every 3-4 weeks.

Dermis

Inner skin layer containing glands and hair follicles.

Subcutaneous Tissue

Loose connective tissue with fat cells and nerves.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that secrete sebum, which waterproofs hair and skin.

Eccrine Glands

Sweat glands located all over the body.

Apocrine Glands

Sweat glands associated with hair follicles.

Vellus Hair

Fine body hair aiding in thermoregulation.

Terminal Hair

Thicker hair found on the scalp and eyebrows.

Nails

Keratinized plates that protect fingers and toes.

Lunula

Crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail.

Subjective Data

Information gathered from the patient about health concerns.

Skin Assessment

An evaluation of local and systemic skin conditions.

Local Problems

Irritation or disease affecting skin, hair, nails.

Systemic Problems

Conditions, like circulation issues, affecting skin health.

Health History

Includes personal, family, and lifestyle factors.

Cultural Concerns

Considerations during patient examination and interaction.

Inspection Key Points

Check for color, temperature, moisture, and integrity of the skin.

Skin Lesions

Abnormal changes in skin condition to evaluate.

Capillary Refill

A test for circulation; it should be less than 2 seconds.

Daily Skin Care

Routine involving soaps, lotions, and cosmetics.

Pallor

Loss of skin color indicating anemia or blood supply issues.

Jaundice

Yellowing of skin and mucosa, indicating liver issues.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Velvety darkening of skin in body folds.

Cyanosis

Blue-tinged skin, indicating oxygen deficiency.

Central Cyanosis

Cyanosis that indicates cardiovascular problems.

Peripheral Cyanosis

Cyanosis due to vasoconstriction.

Albinism

Generalized loss of skin pigmentation.

Butterfly Rash

Facial rash associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Braden Scale

Tool assessing pressure sore risk factors.

Primary Lesions

Initial skin changes, including macules and papules.

Macule

Flat skin color change, less than 1 cm.

Papule

Raised, circumscribed lesion, less than 0.5 cm.

Vesicle

Fluid-filled lesion, less than 0.5 cm.

Bulla

Fluid-filled lesion, greater than 0.5 cm.

Plaque

Raised lesion, greater than 0.5 cm, often flat-topped.

Nodule

Solid mass between 0.5 and 2 cm, deeper than a papule.

Tumor

Mass greater than 2 cm, may lack sharp borders.

Cyst

Encapsulated mass in subcutaneous tissue.

Erosion

Loss of superficial epidermis that does not reach dermis.

Ulcer

Loss of skin extending past epidermis, often necrotic.

Skin Integrity

Normal skin that is intact with no reddened areas.

Edema

Swelling from fluid accumulation in tissue.

Alopecia

Hair loss.

Clubbing

Angle greater than 180 degrees due to hypoxia.

Skin Cancer

Most prevalent cancer type globally.

Melanoma

Malignant skin cancer with varied colors.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Common in Caucasians; presents as waxy nodules.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Rough, ulcerated tumors more common in darker skin.

ABCDE mnemonic

Assess skin lesions: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving.