Skin Structure
True or False: A skin infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
True.
True or False: Pus or fluid leaking out of a cut is NOT a symptom of infection.
False!
True or False: An untreated skin infection may spread to lymph nodes or the bloodstream, but cannot become life-threatening.
False! An untreated skin infection that spreads to the bloodstream can cause sepsis, which is life-threatening.
Name this common type of skin infection that is usually caused by staph bacteria. It's a pocket of pus that forms over a hair follicle or oil gland that causes the skin to become red and swollen. If it breaks open, it will probably drain out.
Boil.
Name two possible reasons why a person with a mental health problem is more likely to have a preventable physical health condition.
Answers may include:
Depression can affect your energy or motivation to take care of yourself.
A person may have difficulty with concentration and planning and find it hard to arrange or attend medical appointments.
A person may have a lack of support to change unhealthy behavior, including assumptions made by healthcare professionals that a person is not capable of making changes.
Healthcare professionals may assume physical symptoms are part of mental illness and not investigate further.
Etc.
True or False: In general, the deeper an infection is in a person's tissue, the less likely it is to become serious.
False! In general, the more layers of tissue infected, the more likely it is to become systemic, or spread to the rest of the body.
True or False: Bluish skin around an injury is an indication of infection.
False! Red skin around an injury is an indication of infection. Bluish skin around a new injury is indicative of bruising.
True or False: Xylazine (aka Tranq) is an opioid drug and will respond to Narcan in the event of an overdose.
False. Xylazine is a non-opiod drug used for sedation and muscle relaxation in veterinary medicine. It does not respond to Narcan.
Name the contagious rash that usually shows up as blisters with a honey-colored crust. It is usually caused by staph or strep bacteria.
Impetigo
True or False: Because COVID is no longer considered a pandemic, it no longer poses a significant health risk.
False. There is currently a summer surge in COVID cases across the country.
What is the first layer of the skin called that makes new cells?
Epidermis
True or False: A red streak that radiates out from an injury is a good sign that the injury is healing well.
False. Red streaks radiating from an injury can be a sign of lymphangitis, an infection and inflammation of the lymph vessels. But all you need to know is that it's a symptom of concern.
What other drug is xylazine commonly adulterated with as a bulking agent to extend the supply?
Fentanyl
Name the bacterial infection that grows in the deepest layers of your skin, causing redness, swelling and sores on the surface and can be very painful.
Cellulitis.
Name two lessons that were learned as a result of the COVID pandemic.
Answers can include:
Masks are useful tools in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Telehealth appointments are useful alternatives to in- person appointments for a large number of health concerns.
Vaccines are powerful tools in preventing diseases.
Everyone is not treated equally in the healthcare system.
We need to take mental health seriously.
Or any number of other possibilities.
What is the second layer of skin called that makes oils to protect the skin and sweat to cool your body?
Dermis
True or False: If a sore appears as a blister, it is not infected.
False! Blisters can be caused by viral or fungal skin infections, such as herpes, warts, chickenpox, or impetigo.
What should be suspected in non-healing, necrotic ulcers in people who inject drugs?
Xylanzine added to the local supply.
Name the infection that has nothing to do with worms but gets its name from the circular shape of the rash it causes. It is a fungal infection.
Ringworm.
What is the name of the medication in Narcan that can reverse an opioid overdose?
Naloxone.
What is the layer of tissue called that attaches skin to muscles and bones?
Subcutaneous tissue.
True or False: People with eczema are less likely to develop other skin infections.
False. People with eczema often get skin infections because the breaks in their skin let germs in.
True or false: Xylazine-induced skin ulcers will only appear at the injection site(s).
False. Xylazine-induced skin ulcers may appear diffusely throughout the body, even at sites distant from the injection site. The ulcers are typically progressive, large and necrotic.
Name the bacterial infection that can be dangerous because it resists antibiotics, meaning that antibiotics used to treat staph infections don't work like they should.
MRSA
Name two types of opiates that are responsive to Narcan in the case of an overdose.
Possible answers include: methadone, heroin, oxycontin, codeine, demerol, morphine, fentanyl.