Integumentary System Analysis

The integumentary system is commonly known for one of many visible complex organ systems. The system is made up of skin, hair, nails, glands, and nerves. The integumentary system shields the body from substances in the outside world. It holds body fluids, protects the body from a disease, removes waste products, and regulates the body’s temperature. While accommodating to do all of that, the integumentary systems teams up with many systems in your body. All of those systems each sustain internal conditions allowing the body to function adequately. Throughout nursing practices, skin disorders are more common. In different systemic conditions of the following, hepatitis, some cancers, or dermatologic manifestations may be found first as the indication …show more content…
It is important to check the patient’s background such as medical history, allergies, and treatments. As explained, “Skin examination is essential to inspect all areas of the skin from head to toe” (Skin Assessment and the Language of Dermatology). When at a dermatology appointment the patient’s main reason for attending is of concern for skin lesions or moles. To assess lesions and screening for skin cancer one will need special training from a GP, “general practitioner” (Skin Assessment and the Language of Dermatology). When examining, the doctor should go by these rules: inspect the skin observing a number of lesions, describe what they see, touch or feel the skin and include a systemic check. When in a room providing natural light, the doctor should be aware of the changes in color that may occur when assessing the skin. Changes in color may include “yellow or orange describing carotenemia, red for erythema, darker for hyperpigmentation, lighter for hypopigmentation, black for infarcts, a yellow or green color indicating jaundice, white describing leukoderma, or purple of dusky pink consisting of purpura” (Skin assessment and the Language of Dermatology). Assessment is great for early diagnosis if a patient is diagnosed with a skin condition or concern. Which allows the patient to do research of their condition or …show more content…
Nina Jablonski, a biological anthropologist spoke of “how human skin evolved, particularly as an adaption to ultraviolet radiation” (The Evolution of Skin). She also answered many other questions relating to skin. Basically, the skin has a certain relation to ultraviolet radiation. Lower levels of melanin were adapted to decrease ultraviolet radiation. In the past medical history, it was best to determine if the patient noticed “problems such as jaundice (liver disease), delayed wound healing (diabetes mellitus), cyanosis (respiratory disorder), or pallor (anemia) (“History...System”). Some medications may cause side effects visible in skin. Medications such as vitamins, hormones, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antimetabolites. It is best to remember the medication that one has used, how long one used prescribed medications it, how the medication was applied, and its effects. When doing surgery one should check if the skin has ever engaged in other surgical procedures like cosmetic surgery. If so, write down any treatments that were specifically given for the health problem. In health management, it’s recommended to question the patient of their daily skin habits and hygiene. Be sure to note medications used for the treatment of hair loss. When obtaining information on the patient of any skin diseases, annotate any family or personal history resulting from skin cancer.