Home Health Aide Integumentary System

Skin

largest organ in the body

Pores

natural openings in the skin are produced by oil glands and sweat glands

Pressure areas

Bony prominences

Pressure areas

Back of head

sacrum

ear

shoulders

elbows

hips

knees

ankles

heels

toes

Pressure sores are caused by

constant pressure

Constant pressure

decreases the amount of blood flow to tissues

Pressure sore

breakdown in the skin that covers a bony area

stage 1 pressure sores

warm-looking reddened area. Within 18-24 hours it can become an open sore

stage 2 pressure sores

Blister will form and there will be small breaks in the client’s skin

stage 3 pressure sores

blister breaks open and there is a sore visible

stage 4 pressure sores

open area extends to the muscle bones and underlying structures

Preventing pressure sores

Alternating air pressure mattriess, egg-crate mattress and lamb’s wool or sheepskin pad, bed cradle, elbow pad, heel pad, ankle elevator

How to apply OTC ointments

they can apply them to unbroken areas

How to do skin dressings

Occasinally, dressing change is done by the home health aide

Good hygiene

Important to maintain skin integrity and prevent infection

Bathing a client

refresj tje circulation in the skin and any change in the condition should be noted

Giving a bed bath

Do it near the tub and it should not take more than 15 minutes

Back rub

helpful to increase the circulation and to provide comfort and relaxation to the client

Perineal Care

Important to prevent infection and skin breakdwon

Oral Care

Assisting with brushing teeth and caring for ddentures and observing the gums for irritation

denture care

encourage clients to wear the dentures to prevent gums from receding

Nail Care

Not allowed to cut fingers or toes before the time is right

Blood thinners

can produce excessive bleeding

When is nail care given

bath time or broken nail or hangnail

Wound

type of injury to the skin that are classified as open or closed

Dermatitis

inflammation of the skin

Stasis dermatitis

Build up of fluid under the skin in the lower legs and ankles