Chapter 4

PAGE 83 – Integumentary System (Skin)

What Skin Does (NA MUST KNOW):

• Protects from infection & water loss

• Senses touch, temp, pain

• Helps cool/heat the body (blood vessels dilate/constrict)

• Keeps skin moist (sebaceous glands)

• Largest sense organ

Normal Aging Changes:

• Skin becomes thinner, drier, more fragile

• Skin is less elastic

• Fat layer decreases → person feels colder

• Hair thins and turns gray

• Nails become hard and brittle

• Less sweat and oil = dry, itchy skin

How the NA Can Help (Very Testable!):

• Bathe less often (twice a week usually)

• Use lotion for dry skin

• Be gentle — avoid tearing skin

• Keep resident warm (layer clothes, bed covers)

• Brush hair to distribute oils

• Keep nails short and smooth

• Encourage fluids

What to Report (Test = red flags):

• Pale, white, red, or purple skin

• Blisters, bruises

• Tingling, warmth, or burning

• Dry, flaky, or itchy skin

• Rash, discoloration

• Swelling

• Cuts, wounds, boils

• Blood or fluid from skin

• Broken skin