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205 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Layers of the skin
Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous Layer
Epidermis
top layer: outer layer of the skin
Dermis
Middle layer: lies between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. provides strength and elasticity to the skin, contains many blood vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, collagen
subcutaneous tissue
deepest layer, composed of connective and adipose tissue, provides insulation, protection and a reserve of calories in the case of malnutrition
factors that affect skin integrity
age related variations, impaired mobility, nutrition and hydration, diminished sensation, impaired circulation, medications, moisture on the skin, fever, infection, lifestyle
Age
elderly less elastic, skin drier and takes longer to regenerate
Mobility
increased pressure leads to skin breakdown
Nutrition/Hydration
poor nutrition leads to less skin regeneration. dehydration=poor skin tugor
Sensation
diminished sensation leads to increased risk for pressure and breakdown
Impaired Ciculation
negatively affects tissue metabolism
Medications
side effects, itching, dryness
Moisture
leads to maceration (the process of softening a solid by steeping in fluid)
Fever
affects moisture on the skin and affects the metabolic rate (increases it)
Infection
impedes healing
Lifestyle
tanning, bathing, piercings
wound
a disruption in the normal integrity of the skin.

wounds can be:
intentional (surgical wound)
unintentional (cut or pressure ulcer)
types of wounds
abrasion, abscess, contusion, crushing, incision, laceration, penetrating, puncture, tunnel
Abrasion
a scrape of the superficial layers of the skin; usually unintentional but may be performed intentionally for cosmetic purposes to smooth skin surfaces
Abscess
a localized collection of pus due to invasion from a pyogenic bacterium or other pathogen; must be opened and drained to heal
Contusion
a closed wound caused by blunt trauma. may be referred to as a bruise or ecchymotic area
Crushing
a wound caused by force leading to compression or disruption of tissues. often associated with fracture. usually there is minimal or no break in the skin
Incision
an open, intentional wound caused by a sharp instrument
Laceration
the skin or mucous membranes are torn open, resulting in a wound with jagged margins
Penetrating
an open wound in which the agent causing the wound lodges in body tissue (bullet or knife)
Puncture
an open wound caused by a sharp object. often there is collapse of tissue around the entry point, making this wound prone to infection.
Tunnel
a wound with an entrance and exit site
Chronic Wounds
pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers
Pressure Ulcers
appearance depends upon the stage, usually located over bony prominences.
caused by pressure resulting in tissue ischemia and injury.
Arterial ulcers
shiny, thin and dry. cool to touch. hair loss
caused by inadequate circulation of oxygenated blood to the tissue
often there is loss of hair in the surrounding area. area has delayed capillary refill time, and patients may complain of pain that worsens with increased activity.
Venous stasis ulcers
red or brown. normal skin temp and normal peripheral pulse. wounds are shallow, with irregular margin, contains exudate, hair loss surrounding ulcer.
caused by venous pooling, resulting in edema and blood stagnation
Diabetic ulcers
caused by vascular changes and impaired sensation 2degree to neuropathy, shiny thin, dry and cool to touch.
may develop as a result of vascular changes associated with diabetes or impaired sensation secondary to neuropathy
Pressure
caused by pressure resulting in tissue ischemia and injury

ischemia=a temporary deficiency of blood flow to an organ or tissue (either through an artery or throughout the circulation
wound healing process
regenerative
primary intention (first)
secondary intention
tertiary intention
regenerative healing
involves only the epidermis, no scar formation, cannot tell old skin from new regenerated skin
primary/ first intention healing
occurs when a wound involves minimal tissue loss and has edges that are well approximated with little scarring. ex)a clean surgical incision

approximated means closed
secondary healing
takes place when a wound incurs extensive tissue loss which prevents the edges from approximating OR should NOT be closed; as in teh case of a wound infection.
when a wound is left open it will heal from the inner layer to the surface layer by filling in with red beefy granulation tissue.
-disadvantages:
-prone to infection
-heal slowly
-develop scar tissue
tertiary healing
or delayed wound closure is a wound that heals because two layers of granulation tissue are brought together
types of wound drainage
serous exudate: straw colored
sanguineous: bloody
serosanguineous: mix of blood and straw color drainage
purulent: yellow and contains pus
3 stages of wound healing
Phase 1: inflammatory phase
Phase 2: proliferative phase
Phase 3: maturation phase
inflammatory phase
phase 1 of wound healing
occurs day 1-5
distinguished as the "cleansing phase"
identified by 2 processes: hemostasis and inflammation
proliferative phase
phase 2 of wound healing
occurs day 5-21
distinguished as the "granulation phase"
epithelial profliferation &migration
full thickness wound repair (phase 1 and 2)
maturation phase
phase 3 of wound healing
occurs days 14-21 and continues until completely healed
distinguished as the "epithelialization phase"
cardinal signs of inflammation
a general inflammatory response occurs whenever there is any invasion by bacteria, virus or some foreign body or substance. this is a basic concept that applies to ALL body invasion.
-redness, heat, swelling (edema), and pain
redness
due to the dilation of blood vessels
heat
due to the vasodilation and increased blood flow
edema
due to intravascular fluids leaking into the surrounding tissues from the increased permeability of the blood vessels
-it predisposes a patient to pressure ulcer because there is an increased distance from the capillary blood supply to cells of the skin
-the raised distance and pressure cause a decrease in blood flow
pain
due to the pain receptors being stimulated by the swollen tissue and pH changes from all these chemicals excreted during the inflammatory response.
inflammation process
acute/chronic
acute inflammation
the intitial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. a cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflamatory response involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue
chronic inflammation
known as prolonged inflammation leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells are present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.
the complement system
when activated, results in the increased removal of pathogens via opsonisation and phagocytosis
it is a biochemical cascade that helps clear pathogens from an organism
types of wound descriptors for documentation
skin integrity
length of time for wound healing
level of contamination
depth of wound
skin integrity
closed
open
closed
no break in the skin (ex fractures)
contusions (bruises) are common with a fracture yet skin remains closed
crushing: compression or disruption of tissues
open
break in the skin (lacerations, abrasions, surgical incisions, and puncture wounds
incision
laceration
tunnel
penetrating
puncture
length of time for healing
1.acute: short duration
2.chronic: long duration
pressure, arterial, venous, and diabetic ulcers
usually colonized with bacteria
underlying disease process
3. level of contaimination
4. depth of wound
(location, size, appearance, drainage)
Red wounds
protect
pink to beefy red
granulating tissue
redness indicates healing
requires a clean moist environment to protect the granulating tissue
wound care management: red wounds
gently clean wound
apply dressing that keeps it moist and clean
protect from friction
Yellow wounds
cleanse
pale beige to shades of green and brown (result of moist devitalized tissue)
drainage: large amount and usually purulent
wound care management: yellow wounds
clean the wound to remove slough
wound irrigation
wet-to-damp dressing/and or absorptive dressings
debridement as needed
black wounds
debride
brown to black
shiny, leathery covering
eschar
indicative of necrotic tissue
raised risk of infection from bacteria
wound care management black wounds
debridement of necrotic tissue
exception: do not debride heel
complications of wound healing
hemorrhage
infection
dehiscence
evisceration
fistula
hemorrhage
usually within 24-48 hours
capillary network is interrupted or a blood vessel is severed-bleeding occurs
hemostasis: cessation of bleeding
once hemostasis has occurred and bleeding occurs again-something is wrong
possible causes: slipped suture, dislodged clot, infection
infection
can be caused during an injury, during or after surgery
suspect if wound fails to heal
swelling, redness, heat, pain and a fever more than 100.4
or foul smelling drainage, purulent drainage of a change in the color of the drainage
initiation of infectious symptoms
with a traumatic injury usually within 2-3 days
surgical site:4-5 days
dehiscence
separation of one or more layers
usually occur in the inflammatory phase of healing before large amounts of collagen have been deposited into the wound to strengthen it
causes of dehiscence
poor nutritional status
inadequate closure of the muscles
most often in obese people because fatty tissue does not heal readily and the large size increases strain on the suture line
infection of the wound
pressure ulcers
decubitus ulcer/pressure sore/bedsore
etiology:
ischemia
moisture
friction
shearing force
reactive hyperemia is described as "nonblanching erythema"
reactive hyperemia=body's defense mechanism
stages of pressure ulcer formation
stage I
stage II
stage III
stage IV
Stage I
non-blanching erythema: epidermis only
stage II
partial-thickness skin loss: epidermis and dermis
stage III
full-thickness skin loss with damage to dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous tissue
stage IV
full-thickness skin loss with extensive tissue damage (all layers; dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous tissue), including necrosis and damage to muscle or bone
risk factors for wounds
immobility
most notably the "pressure points"
review next slide
inadequate nutrition
incontinence
decreased mental status
diminished sensation
cva
diabetic neuropathy
excessive body heat
advanced age
preventing pressure ulcers
turning and positioning every 2hours
providing skin assessment and care
inspect skin every 8-12 hours
assess for erythema on pressure points, tenderness or edema
prevention of infection: hand washing
provide adequate nutrition
therapeutic mattresses and cushions
patient and family teaching
nutrition for wound healing
protein
vitamin a
vitamin c
zinc
protein
at least 2 to 3 servings per day
beef, fish, poultry, pork, veal, lamb, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, dried beans and peas, nuts, seeds
vitamin a
at least 1 serving a day
dark green, leafy vegetables
orange or yellow vegetables
orange fruits
fortified dairy products
liver
vitamin c
at least 1 serving a day
citrus fruits and juices
strawberries, tomatoes
peppers, potatoes, spinach
some cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage
-formation of collagen in the proliferative and maturational phases
-collagen cements the capilalary wals
zinc
fortified cereals
red meats and seafood
(protein enriched diet for tissue building, essential for growth, maintenance, and repair of body cells & tissues)
high nutrient-dense foods
beef vegetable soup, fruited jell-o, milk, milkshakes, ice cream floats sherbet ice cream
cottage cheese, cereals, cheesy entrees such as cheese ravioli and macaroni
cheese, chicken or tuna salad, peanut butter
fruit juices
use a prepared liquid oral nutritional supplement (ensure)
take a multivitamin (you will need a special multivitamin if the kidneys are impaired)
diabetes and wound healing
if you have diabetes or high blood sugar
continue to monitor your blood sugar levels closely. having good control of blood sugar levels will help w/wound healing and may prevent infection. you may need to visit your doctor and a registered dietitian to help control blood sugar through diet and medication
types of debridement
surgical
mechanical
chemical
autolytic
normal saline is the debriding solution used
surgical debridement
necrotic tissue is removed by scalpel or scissors
quick: only necrotic tissue is removed
mechanical debridement
dressing pull dead tissue off of wound base
debride by using wet to dry dressings
slow process
non-selective (necrotic and healthy tissue removed)
chemical debridement
application of enzymatic debriding to necrotic tissue
selective by slow
autolytic debridement
natural process that occurs in a moist wound environment using the body's enzymes
slow and selective
not indicated when risk of infection is high
guiding principles for cleaning wounds
-medicate pain for 30 mins prior to wound care
-determine if the wound requires sterile or clean technique
-cleanest to dirtiest
-use normal saline for irrigation
-frequency of dsg changes is r/t amount of exudates
-saturated dressing=promotes contamination: use biohazard red bag
-protect the newly granulated tissue-avoid over cleaning
-pat the wound dry after irrigation (be gentle)
-granulation is good (slightly moist wound bed is a good thing)
Dry gauze
wicks drainage away from wound surface
stages III and IV
wet-to-damp gauze
maintains moist wound environment, wicks drainage away from wound surface
stages III and IV
transparent barrier
retains wound moisture, allows gas exchange, does not stick to wound surface
stages I and II
hydrocolloid
occlusive, repels moisture and dirt, maintains moist wound environment
stage I
hydrogel
maintains moist wound environment
stages II III IV
alginate
maintains moist wound environment, absorbs exudate
stages III IV
hot and cold applications
local effects of heat and cold rebound phenomenon
muscle spasm
heat: relaxes muscle and increases their contractility
cold: relaxes muscles and decreases contractility
inflammation
heat: increases blood flow, softens exudates

cold: vasoconstriction decreases capillary permeability, decreases blood flow, slows cellular metabolism
pain
heat: relieves pain, possibly by promoting muscle relaxation, increasing circulation, and promoting psychologic relaxation and a feeling of comfort, act as a counterirritant

cold: decreases pain by slowing nerve conduction rate and blocking nerve impulses; produces numbness, acts as a counterirritant, increases pain threshold
contracture
heat: reduces contracture and increases joint range of motion by allowing greater distention of muscles and connective tissue
joint stiffness
heat: reduces joint stiffness by decreasing viscosity of synovial fluid and increasing tissue distensibility
traumatic injury
cold: decreases bleeding by constricting blood vessels, decreases edema by reducing capillary permeability.
contraindications for the use of heat
1.First 24 hours = heat increases bleeding and swelling
2.Hemorrhage = heat causes vasodilation and ↑ es bleeding
3.Edema = Heat increases capillary permeability
4.Skin disorders = heat can burn or cause further skin damage
contraindications for the use of cold
1.Open wounds = cold will increase tissue damage by decreasing blood flow to the wound
2.Impaired circulation = cold will further impair nourishment of the tissues and cause more damage
3.Allergy = some people have an allergy to cold that manifests itself by an inflammatory response.
neurosensory impairment
cannot perceive heat and therefore at risk for burns
impaired mental status
confused so require monitoring for safe therapy
impaired circulation
peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, CHR lack the normal ability to dissipate heat via the blood circulation and puts them at risk for damage r/t heat. cold increases risk r/t to decrease perfusion
open wounds
tissues around open wounds are more sensitive to heat and cold
nursing process r/t skin integrity
assessment
-braden and norden scale in addition to assessments
nursing diagnosis::
-impaired skin (or tissue) integrity r/t immobility AEBredness of skin over coccyx
-risk for infection r/t pressure ulcer aeb foul smelling, weeping decubitus
planning
implementation:
-dressing a wound
-supporting/immobilizing a wound
-binders/badges
-applying heat and cold
effects of immobility on various parts of the body
-muscles and bones: muscle atrophy and contractures; disuse osteoporosis
-lungs: atelectasis and pneumonia
-heart and vessels
-raised workload of the heart by promoting venous stasis
-leads to compression and injury of the small vessels of the legs
-lower clearance clotting factors leads to dvt (deep vein thrombosis
-orthostatic hypotension
-metabolism
-skin integrity: pressure ulcers
-gi: constipation, slows peristalsis
-gu: renal calculi (kidney stones), exercise decreases bone loss of calcium, urine then maintains acidity and therefore decreases risk for kidney stones
-psychological: depression
orthostatic hypotension
prolonged bedrest inactivates the baroreceptors involved with constriction and dilation of blood vessels. when changing position this results in the inability to maintain BP causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falling
general nursing care for patient's on prolonged bedrest
-turning and positioning every 2 hours
-adequate nutrition
-encourage coughing and deep breathing using an incentive spirometer
-hydration
-active and passive rom (range of motion)
-adequate pain management
preventative measures associated with immobility or prolonged bedrest
-dvt: anti embolitic stockings (teds), prevent venous distension
-atelectasis: incentive spirometry; turning and positioning every 2 hours to promote even lung expansion
-orthostatic hypotension: access bp before sitting up and standing; assess for dizziness
-footdrop: bed cradle, boots
incentive spirometer
minimize lung collapse
-promotes expansion of chest and lungs to decrease risk of atelectasis and pneumonia
-inhale slowly w/constant intake flow (like a straw)
-raise max. amount of balls
-hold for 2-3 seconds
-exhale through pursed lips
-encourage coughing; indicates using spirometer correctly
-use 5-10/hour
-fowler's position increases chest expansion
nursing interventions r/t complications associated with immobility or prolonged bedresst
-increase fiber intake
-encourage adequate intake of fluids
-maintain I&O
-offer fluids often with special atten to specific "likes"
-thicken fluids for stroke victims with bilateral weakness
-may not be able to use a stra r/t inability to "suck in" bilaterally
-sit in fowler's position for feeding (aspiration alert)
-administer stool softener: colace (docusate sodium) one tablet po bid

(weakend abdominal muscles, decreased peristalsis increases constipation, limited activity decreases appetite therefore decreasing nutritional intake of protein)
general concepts r/t hygiene
-activities involved in personal grooming and cleanliness
-activities of daily living (ADLs):
-bathing
-showering
-combing hair
maintenance of personal hygiene
-promotes comfort
-improves self-image
-decreases infection and disease
factors that influence personal hygiene
-personal preferences
-body image
-socioeconomic status
-cultural beliefs
-personal values
-health beliefs
-family customs
health status affects self care ability
-pain
-limited mobility
-sensory deficits: safety is a priority for any patient with sensory deficits
-cognitive impairment
-emotional disturbances
Nurse's role in hygeine
-asses self-care abilities
-provide assistance with ADLs
-promote self-care in ADLs
-delegate approprate parts of hygiene care
types of hygiene care
-morning care
-afternoon care
-hs care
infectious agent
infection: is successful invasion of the body by a pathogen
pathogen: organisms capable of causing disease
portal of entry
normal body openings, such as the conjunctiva of the eye, the nares, mouth, urethra, vagina and anus are potential portals of entry, as are abnormal openings, such as cuts and scrapes.
reservoir
a source of infection: a place where pathogens survive and multiply
carriers
have no symptoms of disease, yet can pass the disease to others
portal of exit
through body fluids, including blood, mucus, saliva, breast milk, urine, feces, vomitus, semen, or other secretions
-nosocomial infections: puncture sites, drainage tubes, feeding tubes and intravenous lines commonly serve aas routes for pathogens to exit the body
mode of transportation
direct or indirect (contact with fomite)
how the microorganism got someone infected
shoes, eyeglasses, stethoscopes, and other items
susceptible host
a person with adequate defenses against the invading pathogen
3 factors that determine transmission of organism to host
1.Virulence: the power to cause the disease
2.The number of organisms that is transmitted. The more organisms…. The sicker the patient!
3.The ability of the host to defend against the infection
Incubation
From time of infection until manifestation of symptoms; can infect others
Prodromal
Appearance of vague symptoms; not all diseases have this stage
illness
Signs and symptoms present
decline
Number of pathogens decline
convalescence
Tissue repair, return to health
primary infection
the first infection that occurs in a patient
secondary infection
follows primary infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, may be one or more secondary infections
nosocomial infections
infection aquired in a healthcare facility
Leading cause of death
Preventable with use of aseptic principles/ techniques
Exogenous Nosocomial Infection
Pathogen acquired from health-care environment
Endogenous Nosocomial Infection
Normal flora multiply and cause infection as a result of treatment
local infection
infections that cause harm in a limited region of the body, such as the upper respiratory tract, the urethra, or a single bone or joint
-causes inflammatory response
systemic infection
occur when pathogens invade the blood or lymph and spread throughout the body
-bactermia (clinical presence of bacteria in the blood)
-septicemia (symptomatic systestmic infection spread via the blood)
inflammatory response
-local, nonspecific defensive response to tissue injury or infection
Pain
Swelling (edema)
Redness
Heat
Loss of Function
acute infection
Rapid onset of short duration
e.g., Common cold
chronic infection
Slow development, long duration
e.g., Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteomyelitis
latent infection
Infection present with no discernible symptoms
e.g., HIV/AIDS
primary defenses
Anatomical features, limit pathogen entry
Intact skin
Low pH of the skin
Mucous membranes
Cilia
Tears
Normal flora in GI tract
Normal flora in urinary tract
(Antibiotics eliminate an infection! It is NOT a defense!
Inappropriate use of ABX destroys normal flora as well as bacteria
Can predispose a patient to a secondary infection b/c defenses are down)
secondary defenses
Biochemical processes activated by chemicals released by pathogens
Phagocytosis
Complement cascade
Inflammation
Fever
inadequate secondary defenses
Decreased hemoglobin
Less oxygen carrying capacity
Suppression of WBC’s
Drug or disease related
Suppressed inflammatory response
COX -2 inhibitors
Leukopenia (decreased WBC count)
Tertiary Defenses
-Humoral immunity
B-cell production of antibodies in response to an antigen
-Cell-mediated immunity
Direct destruction of infected cells by T cells
factors that increase the risk of infection
Age
Breaks in the skin
Urine back flow/ obstructed out flow
Illness/injury, chronic disease
Smoking, substance abuse
Multiple sex partners
Medications that inhibit/decrease immune response
Nursing/medical procedures
factors that support host defenses
Adequate nutrition
Protein, vitamins, minerals & water
Balanced hygiene
Sufficient to decrease skin bacterial count
Rest/exercise
Reducing stress
Immunization
medical asepsis
A state of cleanliness that decreases the potential for the spread of infections
How do we promote medical asepsis
Maintain clean hands
Maintain a clean environment
Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines
Hand-washing
When you arrive in the unit
When you leave the unit
Before and after restroom use
Before and after patient contact
Before and after contact with patient belongings
Before gloving
After glove removal
Before and after touching your face
Before and after eating
After touching a contaminated article
When you see visible dirt on your hands
Hand washing guidelines
Wash for at least 15 seconds in nonsurgical setting; 2-6 minutes in surgical setting
Use warm water, not hot
Apply soap to wet hands
Use friction
Clean beneath fingernails and jewelry
Rinse soap
Towel or hand dry
Maintaining a clean environment
Clean spills and dirty surfaces promptly
Remove pathogens through chemical means (disinfect)
Remove clutter
Consider supplies brought to the client room as contaminated
Consider items from the client’s home as contaminated
Common Nosocomial Infections
Unsterile insertion of urinary catheter
Catheter & tubing become disconnected
Improper specimen collection: i.e. blood cx w staph epi
Improper hand hygiene
Improper skin prep before procedure
Use of contaminated equipment
Improper disposal of soiled linen or secretions
cleaning and sterilizing
Proper cleansing of skin, disinfection and sterilization of equipment or contaminated objects reduce and sometimes eliminate microorganisms.
Disinfection: eliminates many of the organisms
Sterilization: eliminates ALL the organisms

The decision to clean or sterilize is based on the purpose of the use of equipment!
Implementing CDC Guidelines
Standard precautions (universal precautions)
Protects health-care workers from exposure
Decreases transmission of pathogens
Protects clients from pathogens carried by health-care workers
Contact Precautions
Pathogen is spread by direct contact
Sources of infection - draining wounds, secretions, supplies
Precautions include:
Possible private room
Clean gown and glove use
Disposal of contaminated items in room
Double-bag linen and mark
Droplet Precautions
Pathogen is spread via moist droplets:
Coughing, sneezing, touching contaminated objects
Precautions include:
Same as those for contact
Addition of mask and eye protection within 3 ft of client
Airborne Precautions
Pathogen is spread via air currents
Transmission via ventilation systems, shaking sheets, sweeping
Precautions include:
Same as those for contact, with addition of special mask
Reverse” isolation
Protects the patient from organisms (us)
Used with immune-compromised client population
Precautions include:
Private room likely
Nurse not assigned to clients with active infection
Mask, hand-washing, clean/sterile gown, gloves
No reuse of gowns, gloves
Isolation Precautions
Tier 1: Standard Precautions
Combines Universal Precautions with BSI
Tier 2: Transmission-Based Precautions
Airborne: tiny particles that remain in the air for long periods of time
i.e. TB, measles, chickenpox
Droplet: transmitted through close respiratory contact or mucous membranes secretions. Do not remain in the air for long periods of time
Influenza, streptococcus, rhinovirus
respiratory tract
common infectious organisms: parainfluenza virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis, staphylococcus aureus
portals of exit: nose or mouth through sneezing, coughing, breathing or talking
gastrointestinal tract
common infectious organisms: hepatitis a virus, salmonella species
portals of exit: mouth through saliva, vomitus; anus through feces ostomies
urinary tract
common infectious organisms: escherichia coli enterocci, pseudomonas aeruginosa
portals of ext: urethral meatus, and urinary diversion
reproductive tract
common infectious organisms: neisseria gonorrheoae, treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus type 2, hepatitis b (hbv)
portals of exit: vagina, vaginal discarche, urinary meatus, semen urine
blood
common infectious organisms: hiv, staphylococcus auereus, staphyloccus epidermidis, hepatitis b virus
portal of exts: open wound, deedle puncture site, any disruption of intact skin or mucous membrane surfaces
tissue
common infectious organisms: staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, proteus species, streptococcus beta hemolytic a or b
portals of exit: drainage from cut or wound
areas of hygiene care
Skin: first line of defense!!!!
Oral cavity
Buccal glands (secrete saliva)
Mastication (action of chewing)
Gingivitis (gum inflammation)
Hands, feet, & nails
Injury, deformity, growths
Hair
Indication of general health/wellbeing
Eyes, ears & nose
Hygiene provides opportunity for assessment
role of protection: epidermis first line of defense
Prevents entrance of microorganisms
Weakened by scrapping or stripping
Use of dry razors
Tape removal
Improper turning and positioning (shearing force) Chemical irritation (soap, deodorant)
Cleansing of skin removes excess oil, sweat, dead skin; substances that can promote bacterial growth
other roles of the skin...
Sensation
Sensory organs for touch, pain, heat, cold & pressure
Temperature Regulation
Temperature controlled by radiation, conduction, convection & evaporation
Heat loss interferes w temp. control
Excretion & Secretion
Sweat promotes heat loss
Perspiration & oil promotes growth of microorganisms
Sebum lubricates skin & hair
guidelines for skin care
Promote intact skin
All RN actions should prevent injury and irritation
Shearing forces
Promote healthy skin cells
Poor nutrition/excess dryness  increased susceptibility to injury
Prevent excessive moisture
Promotes bacterial growth & irritation
At-risk populations:
Infants, elderly, malnourished, obese
risks to skin integrity
Any factor that interferes with hydration, circulation, and nutrition of the skin creates a risk to skin integrity!!!
risk factors for skin impairment
Dampness of the skin
Incontinence
Fever and perspiration
Moisture on the skin surface is a medium for bacterial growth
Bacteria that remains on skin can soften the skin surface & lead to maceration.
Dehydration
Insufficient circulation
Immobility
Vascular disease
Inadequate nutrition
Immobilization
Increases pressure on skin
Decreases circulation

5. Reduced sensation
Circulatory insufficiency
Arterial blood supply to tissues is diminished
Impaired venous return (pedal edema)
Inadequate blood flow causes ischemia
Nerve damage/loss of sensation called neuropathy
Paralysis
Impairs skin & wound healing
Limited calorie & protein intake causes skin to loose elasticity, become thinner & loss of subcutaneous tissue
7. External devices
Electrodes, tape, casts, bandages, restraints, dressings etc.
risk factors for hygiene problems...
Oral Problems
Weakness, paralysis, restriction, NGT…
Dehydration: NPO status
Foot Problems
Unable to bend over
Visual acuity
Eye Care Problems
Reduced dexterity & hand coordination
Skin Problems (already discussed)
baths
Complete Bed Bath
Totally dependent/total hygiene
Assisted Bed Bath
Assist the patient as needed
Partial Bed Bath
Bathing body parts that would cause discomfort or an odor
Bath in a Bag
Shower Chair
Watch DVD on Bathing
package bath
A bath in a bag is a modification to the towel & washcloth bath.
Each part of the body is cleansed with a fresh cloth. They are remoistened and disposable.
principles of bathing
Provide privacy
Obtain needed supplies
Adjust the bed to working height
Remove bedding and cover patient w/ a bath blanket
Remove the patient’s gown but keep as much covered as possible
Maintain modesty and prevent chills
Don gloves (maintain standard precautions)
Long strokes increase circulation
Lift arm to provide ROM (range of motion)
Wash anterior to posterior
Wash or Wipe: from “clean to dirty”
Wash extremities distal to proximal (hand to shoulder; foot to hip) to promote venous return
Do not massage calves
patient’s on bedrest are predisposed to DVT (deep vein thromobis). Massaging a calf can cause a release of the thrombus leading to an embolus
Pat skin dry
principles of baithing
Wash abdomen, legs and feet
Wash abdomen, umbilicus and pat dry
Uncover one leg at a time and start w/ leg farthest from you
Wash distal to proximal (foot to hip) with long gentle strokes to promote venous return
Do NOT massage the calves (↑’es risk of releasing a clot causing an embolus)
Wash back and buttocks
Back first and then buttocks
Pay attention to gluteal folds (observe for redness and dry thoroughly)
Wash rectal area from front to back and remove any fecal matter
Apply lotion if not contraindicated (do not do with any patient who has a musculoskeletal injury or cardiovascular disease)
Stimulates circulation and maintains healthy skin
Wash perineum from front to back to prevent contamination of vaginal area with stool
bathing with respect to elderly clients
Skin is fragile
Bruises easily
Less elastic, has less oil (avoid excessive soap)
Soap very drying
“Art” of bathing the dementia client
Avoid HOT water
Can cause burns (elderly have diminished senses to heat and cold
Powder
Inhaled = not good
Cornstarch glucose/overgrowth of microorganisms
bathing the dementia patient
Minimize the amount of time the patient is undressed
Keep room warm
Use distractions & negotiation rather than “demands”
Determine least distressing types of bathing (soak feet etc)
Praise after completed
nail care
Foot care for non-diabetic client only
Not done (by us, while at ECF)
concerns: pain from feet from deformities, arthritis, weak structure, injuries & disease (diabetes), hammer toes, corns & calluses
Diabetic foot care is performed by a Podiatrist due to increase risk of vascular deficiency and infection
Fingernail care
soak & file nails & push back cuticles
You may offer this during clinical
oral care
Overlooked in ECF population
Foam or glycerin swabs
Lemon glycerin swabs used to promote mouth hygiene and prevent halitosis (bad breath)
Use with CAUTION on any patient who has oral or mouth skin breakdown or cracks
Will cause pain and burning
Denture Care
Safeguard them! (expensive)
Assist with cleaning PRN
Gloves worn (Standard Precautions)
Fit top first and then bottom
Can use Polident type of cleanser.
bed making
Body mechanics
Be efficient
Assess skin during procedure
Delegate PRN
Avoid plantar-flexion of toes
Use foot board
Bed cradle
Avoid linen creases
Know commonly used bed positions
client safety
Safety bars in showers & toilets
Use of bed rails
Use of bed alarms
Locks on beds & WC’s
Call lights within reach
Canes, walkers
Rubber soled shoes
Keep hallways clear
client safety
Keep important items within easy reach
Glasses, medications, tissues, hearing aids etc.
Adequate lighting
Use restraints (device to immobilize patient) sparingly
Skin tears
Falls (JACHO PSG)
eschar
A thick coagulated crust or slough that develops following a burn, chemical or mechanical injury to the skin
granulation
The formation or growth of small blood vessels and connective tissue in a full-thickness wound.
maceration
Softening and breakdown of tissues from over exposure to moisture.
slough
Loose, stringy necrotic tissue.
sinus tract
A course or pathway which can extend in any direction from the wound surface; results in dead space with potential for abscess formation
undermining
Tissue destruction underlying intact skin along wound margins.
wound bed base
Uppermost viable layer of wound; may be covered with slough or eschar.
wound margin
Rim or border of a wound.
erythema
Redness of the skin surface produced by capillary dilation.
exudate
Accumulation of fluids in wound; may contain serum, cellular debris, bacteria, and leucocytes.
epithiallization
The regeneration of skin over a wound surface
Excoriation
Linear scratches on the skin
Stage I Pressure Ulcer
Stage I Pressure Ulcer- A defined area of non-blanchable redness in lightly pigmented skin, or persistent red, blue, or purple hues in darker skin tones. 
Stage II Pressure Ulcer
Stage II Pressure Ulcer- Partial thickness skin loss involving epidermis and/or dermis. Presents clinically as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater.
Stage III Pressure Ulcer
Stage III Pressure Ulcer- Full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. Presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining of adjacent tissue.
Stage IV Pressure Ulcer
Stage IV Pressure Ulcer- Full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle bone, or supporting structures (e.g., tendon, joint capsule).
Deep Tissue Injury (DTI)
Deep Tissue Injury- A pressure-related injury to subcutaneous tissue under intact skin and initially has the appearance of a deep bruise. DTI’s may eventually develop into a Stage III or IV despite optimal treatment.