Basic Concepts
What is a group of cells with a similar function called?
Tissue
What is the largest organ and system of the body?
The integumentary system
What are pressure points?
Areas of the body that bear much of its weight.
What is shearing?
Rubbing/friction resulting from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction.
What are some changes that occur in the skin due to aging?
Thinner and more fragile skin, drier skin and less elastic, wrinkles and brown spots, nails are more brittle, thinning fatty tissue makes the person feel colder.
What is a group of tissues with the same function called?
Organs
What is the outer layer of the skin called?
The epidermis
What are bony prominences?
Areas of the body where the bone lies close to the skin.
What is necrosis?
The death of living cells or tissues caused by lack of nourishment to tissues.
What should a CNA report to a nurse about a patient’s skin condition?
Pale, white, reddened, or purple areas; rashes or discoloration; cuts, sores, wounds, abrasions; swelling; changes in wound or ulcer.
How are systems formed?
Systems are formed by organs that work together.
What is the inner layer of the skin called?
The dermis
How many stages do pressure ulcers have?
4
Name common places to find a pressure ulcer.
Back of the head, ears, shoulder blades, elbows, tailbone, buttocks, hips, and heels.
How do pressure ulcers form?
Formed when pressure slows the blood flow to an area, leading to tissue death; friction or shear can add to the problem.
What is the composition of skin?
Skin is made up of cells and tissues.
What pigment gives skin its color?
Melanin
Explain stage 1 of a pressure ulcer.
Skin is pink, red, or mottled; discoloration does NOT disappear within 15 min after pressure is released.
How can you prevent a patient from developing pressure ulcers?
Change the resident's position every 2 hours; use pillows, foam padding to reduce pressure; keep skin clean and dry.
Where do pressure ulcers most often form?
Over bony areas on the body.
What parts make up the integumentary system?
Skin, hair, nails, oil glands, sweat glands, subcutaneous tissues, and nerve endings.
How does the integumentary system function as a sense organ?
It contains nerve endings that sense touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.
Explain stage 4 of a pressure ulcer.
Penetrates to muscle or bone; infection or drainage may be present.
What are some risk factors that could result in pressure ulcers?
Poor nutrition, inability to easily move or reposition, inability to feel and report pain, lowered mental awareness.
What are some aging-related changes in the integumentary system?
Decrease in subcutaneous tissue (decrease in insulation and loss of cushioning), loss of elasticity, increased susceptibility to breakdown.