An extensive language has been developed to standardize the description of skin lesions, including Show
Rash is a general term for a temporary skin eruption. Cross-section of the skin and skin structuresMacules are flat, nonpalpable lesions usually < 10 mm in diameter.
Macules represent a change in color and are not raised or depressed compared to the skin surface. A patch is a large macule. Examples include freckles, flat moles, tattoos, and
port-wine stains
Capillary Malformations Capillary malformations are present at birth and appear as flat, pink, red, or purplish lesions. Port-wine stains are capillary vascular malformations that are present at birth and that manifest... read more
Papules are elevated lesions usually < 10 mm in diameter that can be felt or palpated. Examples include nevi, warts,
lichen planus
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a recurrent, pruritic, inflammatory eruption characterized by small, discrete, polygonal, flat-topped, violaceous papules that may coalesce into rough scaly plaques, often accompanied... read more Pustules are
vesicles that contain pus. Pustules are common in bacterial infections and folliculitis and may arise in some inflammatory disorders including pustular
psoriasis Subtypes of Psoriasis
Urticaria
Urticaria Urticaria consists of migratory, well-circumscribed, erythematous, pruritic plaques on the skin. Urticaria also may be accompanied by angioedema, which results from mast cell and basophil activation... read more Scale is heaped-up accumulations of horny epithelium that occur in disorders such as
psoriasis Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that manifests most commonly as well-circumscribed, erythematous papules and plaques covered with silvery scales. Multiple factors contribute, including... read more Erosions are open areas of skin that result from loss of part or all of the epidermis. Erosions can be traumatic or can occur with various inflammatory or infectious skin diseases. An excoriation is a linear erosion caused by scratching, rubbing, or picking. Petechiae are nonblanchable punctate foci of hemorrhage. Causes include platelet abnormalities (eg, thrombocytopenia,
platelet dysfunction
Overview of Platelet Disorders Platelets are circulating cell fragments that function in the clotting system. Thrombopoietin helps control the number of circulating platelets by stimulating the bone marrow to produce megakaryocytes... read more
Purpura is a larger area of hemorrhage that may be palpable. Palpable purpura is considered the hallmark of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Purpura may indicate a coagulopathy. Large areas of purpura may be called ecchymoses or, colloquially, bruises. Telangiectases are foci of small, permanently dilated blood vessels that may occur in areas of sun damage, rosacea
Rosacea Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by facial flushing, telangiectasias, erythema, papules, pustules, and, in severe cases, rhinophyma. Diagnosis is based on the characteristic... read more
Configuration is the shape of single lesions and the arrangement of clusters of lesions. Reticulated lesions have a lacy or networked pattern. Examples include cutis marmorata and livedo reticularis. Some skin lesions have visible or palpable texture that suggests a diagnosis. Lichenification is thickening of the skin with accentuation of normal skin markings; it results from repeated scratching or rubbing. Xanthomas, which are yellowish, waxy lesions, may be idiopathic or may occur in patients who have lipid disorders. It is important to note whether
Although few patterns are pathognomonic, some are consistent with certain diseases.
Lichen planus
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a recurrent, pruritic, inflammatory eruption characterized by small, discrete, polygonal, flat-topped, violaceous papules that may coalesce into rough scaly plaques, often accompanied... read more When examining the color of skin, health care practitioners should note that the natural color of a patient's skin can change the appearance of colors. Red skin (erythema) can result from many different inflammatory or infectious diseases. Cutaneous tumors are often pink or red. Superficial vascular lesions such as port-wine stains may appear red. Orange skin is most often seen in hypercarotenemia, a usually benign condition of carotene deposition after excess dietary ingestion of beta-carotene. Violet skin may result from cutaneous hemorrhage or
vasculitis
Overview of Vasculitis Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels, often with ischemia, necrosis, and organ inflammation. Vasculitis can affect any blood vessel—arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, or capillaries... read more
Shades of blue, silver, and gray can result from deposition of drugs or metals in the skin, including minocycline, amiodarone, and silver (argyria). Ischemic skin appears purple to gray in color. Deep dermal nevi appear blue. Black skin lesions may be melanocytic, including nevi and
melanoma Melanoma Malignant melanoma arises
from melanocytes in a pigmented area (eg, skin, mucous membranes, eyes, or central nervous system). Metastasis is correlated with depth of dermal invasion. With spread... read more Dermatographism (dermographism) is the appearance of an urticarial wheal after focal pressure (eg, stroking or scratching the skin) in the distribution of the pressure. Up to 5% of normal patients may exhibit this sign, which is a form of physical urticaria. Koebner phenomenon describes the development of lesions within areas of trauma (eg, caused by scratching, rubbing, or injury). Psoriasis frequently exhibits this phenomenon, as may
lichen planus
Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a recurrent, pruritic, inflammatory eruption characterized by small, discrete, polygonal, flat-topped, violaceous papules that may coalesce into rough scaly plaques, often accompanied... read more Which assessment should the nurse complete first?Inspection is a critical observation that should always occur first during an assessment (Jarvis, 2012). The correct answer is: B. Inspection. AUSCULTATION is usually performed following inspection, especially with abdominal assessment.
In which order would the nurse complete a comprehensive assessment quizlet?The sequence of techniques used to assess the abdomen is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Percussion and palpation stimulate bowel sounds and thus are done after auscultation of the abdomen.
In which order would the nurse perform an assessment of the integumentary system?Focused Assessments. In which order should the nurse perform an abdominal assessment for a client with a suspected bowel obstruction?In which order should the nurse perform an abdominal assessment for a client with a suspected bowel obstruction? The normal order of assessment would be inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
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