Nursing Process
What is the first thing you do when entering the patient's room?
Wash your hands!
What's a common parasite found in hair?
lice
How often should patients do a self skin assessment?
at least once a month
True or false: you only check fingernails
False - also check toenails
True or false: melanoma only develops in preexisting moles
false - some moles develop from seemingly normal skin
How do you confirm you have the correct patient?
Confirm name and DOB
Please explain how we assess the hair/head
We tactfully move around the hair looking at different areas of the skin
Why is sun protection important?
To protect the skin from UV rays
What age group may the skin turgor test not work for?
Older patients because it naturally decreases with age
What does the C in the ABCs of melanoma stand for? Please explain
color - if there are multiple colors
What PPE should you dawn during this assessment?
Gloves
What questions do we ask the patient about their hair?
Have you seen any changes in your hair? What are they and when did they start?
Why is asking family history important?
the patient could be predisposed to a condition such as cancer
What percentage of melanoma is identified through self assessment?
about half
what does the E in the ABCs of melanoma stand for? What does it mean?
Evolving - noticing if a mole has changed
Why is education important?
To ensure the patient can be a key part of their health and know when to contact their provider.
What are the three main things we look for when checking the scalp?
lesions, parasites, and tenderness
Pinch skin and wait for it to return to its flattened state - we are testing for dehydration
hold the finger for 5-10 seconds and then let go - color should return within 2 seconds
Please describe a self skin assessment as if I were your patient
- check entire body at least once a month
take note of changes, new growths
What may be a difficult part of this assessment for patients?
Patients may not like being touched. We assess more private areas of their body (perineal regions, breasts, etc.)
What can excessive hair dryness indicate in a patient?
Stress or a systemic disease
Please palpate the skin for temperature - what part of the hand do you use
*demonstrate* the dorsal side
Please demonstrate the capillary refill test
*demonstration*
What diameter for moles should we be concerned about?
Over 6mm