Skin, Hair, Nails, and Abdominal Assessment Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the anatomy, assessment techniques, normal findings, and abnormal conditions of the skin, hair, nails, and abdomen as described in the lecture notes.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of skin that has no blood vessels and contains keratinocytes and melanocytes replaced every $3-4$ weeks.

Dermis

The layer of skin composed of connective tissue, nerves, collagen, and elastin that houses follicles and glands.

SubQ (Subcutaneous)

Adipose tissue used for insulation and fat storage.

Lunula

The white crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail.

Capillary Refill

A test for blood flow that should take less than $3$ seconds; a longer duration indicates a blood flow issue.

Vellus

Fine hair found on the body.

Terminal

Coarse, pigmented hair.

Sebaceous Glands

Glands that produce sebum.

Eccrine Glands

Glands that produce sweat to help regulate temperature (thermoregulation).

Apocrine Glands

Glands located in the armpits and genital region that produce odor with bacterial breakdown.

Alopecia

Hair loss that may be caused by medication, nutrition, or aging.

Alopecia Areata

Hair loss caused by an autoimmune condition.

Folliculitis

Inflamed hair follicles containing pus.

Hirsutism

Excessive coarse hair resulting from an androgen issue.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Greasy, thick scalp scales.

Tinea Capitis

A fungal infection of the scalp causing patchy hair loss.

Clubbing

An abnormal nail finding where the base angle is greater than $180$ degrees.

Pallor

Pale skin color which may indicate anemia, dehydration, or sickness.

Cyanosis

Blue coloring of the lips or extremities indicating oxygenation issues and a medical emergency.

Jaundice

Yellowing of the eyes and skin due to increased bilirubin, often associated with alcohol use or newborns.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by inflammation or fever.

ABCDE

An acronym used to detect melanoma: Asymmetrical, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter, Evolving appearance.

Nevus (Mole)

A pigmented skin lesion; typical ones are smaller than $6\,mm$, shades of brown, and have smooth borders.

Macule

A flat primary lesion measuring less than $1\,cm$ (e.g., a freckle).

Papule

An elevated primary lesion measuring less than $1\,cm$ (e.g., seborrheic keratosis).

Patch

A flat primary lesion measuring greater than $1\,cm$ (e.g., vitiligo).

Plaque

Grouped papules measuring greater than $1\,cm$ (e.g., psoriasis).

Vesicle

A fluid-filled primary lesion measuring less than $1\,cm$ (e.g., herpes).

Bulla

A fluid-filled primary lesion measuring greater than $1\,cm$ (e.g., a blister).

Pustule

A primary lesion filled with pus (e.g., acne).

Wheal

A raised, itchy primary lesion (e.g., hives).

Telangiectasia

Dilated superficial blood vessels.

Excoriation

Loss of epidermis resulting from scratching.

Fissure

A linear crack extending into the dermis (e.g., cheilitis).

Keloid

Excess collagen production that extends beyond the original wound edges.

Pressure Ulcer Stage 4

A deep bedsore reaching the level of muscle and bone.

Dermatome Rash

A rash that follows a linear line, usually on the torso (e.g., shingles).

Annular/Circular Rash

A rash with a circular outline that is not filled in (e.g., ringworm).

Intertriginous Areas

Areas under skin folds, such as under breasts, groin, or under arms, that require inspection.

Turgor

The skin's ability to return to normal immediately after being pinched; a slow return indicates dehydration.

Parietal and Visceral Peritoneum

The membranes that cover the abdominal cavity and organs.

Mesenteries

Structures that suspend organs and contain vessels, nerves, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes.

Hematemesis

The medical term for vomiting blood.

Melena

Blood in the stool, typically indicating an upper GI bleed.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which may involve pocketing food, drooling, gagging, or coughing.

Pyrosis

The medical term for heartburn.

Dyspepsia

Discomfort or a sense of fullness after eating.

GERD

The reflux of gastric content.

Striae

The medical term for stretch marks.

Bruits

Abnormal vascular sounds heard over the aorta or renal arteries.

Tympany

The normal sound heard when percussing the abdomen.

Ascites

An abnormal finding characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

CVA Tenderness

Renal tenderness identified during percussion of the costovertebral angle.