What is the body's first line of defence?
The skin.
What can impaired skin integrity cause besides infection?
Pain, reduced mobility, delayed healing, and psychological distress.
In which healthcare settings are skin conditions common?
Aged care, acute medical and surgical wards, and chronic disease management.
What chronic diseases does Maggie have that increase pressure injury risk?
Insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and chronic urinary incontinence.
What factors in Maggie's condition increase her risk for pressure injuries?
Limited mobility and frailty.
What characterizes the onset of acute skin conditions?
They have a sudden onset.
How long do chronic skin conditions typically persist?
They persist for more than 6 weeks.
Name one example of an acute skin condition.
Cellulitis.
Why must inflammatory and infectious skin conditions be distinguished?
Because they require different clinical responses.
What does a focused skin assessment examine?
Colour, temperature, moisture, integrity, sensation, pain or itch, location and size, and exudate or odour.
What are key features of acute skin conditions?
Redness, heat, swelling, pain, and rapid changes.
What type of skin loss did Maggie's wound assessment identify?
Full-thickness skin loss.
Which red flag requires immediate escalation due to spreading redness?
Rapidly spreading redness requires immediate escalation.
What symptom involving tissue appearance signals immediate escalation?
Blackened or necrotic tissue signals immediate escalation.
To whom should uncertainty or concern be escalated?
Uncertainty or concern should be escalated to the registered nurse.
Who handles ongoing deterioration escalation?
Ongoing deterioration is escalated to the registered nurse or nurse unit manager.
Which staff member should be contacted for medical review escalation?
The resident medical officer or medical officer should be contacted for medical review.
How is acute deterioration escalated?
Acute deterioration is escalated through a MET call.
What does evidence-based skin and wound care include regarding cleansing?
Cleansing according to policy or protocol.
Which principles must be followed in evidence-based skin and wound care?
Infection-control principles.
What is included in symptom relief for skin conditions?
Pain management, itch reduction, emollients, and barrier creams.
Name one prevention measure for skin care.
Repositioning.
How can burn injuries cause hypovolaemia?
Through fluid loss from damaged skin.
What effect does hypovolaemia have on circulating blood volume after burns?
It reduces circulating blood volume.
How does hypovolaemia affect renal perfusion after burn injuries?
It reduces renal perfusion.
What kidney function is impaired by hypovolaemia after burns?
The kidneys’ ability to filter blood effectively.
What assessments are included in immediate management of Maggie's pressure injury?
Wound and PQRST pain assessments.
Which skin features are assessed immediately in pressure injury management?
Vascularity and skin colour.
What support surfaces are applied immediately for pressure injury management?
Pressure-relieving support surfaces.
How often should a patient be repositioned to offload pressure?
Every 2 hours.
What devices help offload pressure besides repositioning?
Pillows and wedges.
Which area should be avoided to prevent direct pressure?
The sacral area.
What is an example of a pressure-relieving support surface?
An air mattress.
What does SHARED documentation record in person-centred care?
Situation, History, Assessment, Risks, Escalation, and Documentation and plan.
What histories can a SHARED note for a red, painful lower-leg wound include?
Diabetic and chronic venous disease history.
What risks are recorded in a SHARED note for a red, painful lower-leg wound?
Infection and delayed-healing risks.
What does culturally safe, person-centred care respect about skin and healing?
Cultural beliefs.
How does culturally safe care involve family or support persons?
It involves them when appropriate.
What is important when addressing patient anxiety in person-centred care?
Acknowledging concerns and providing clear explanations.
How should reassurance be given when addressing patient anxiety?
Without minimising concerns.
What should be maintained to support dignity when addressing patient anxiety?
Dignity and privacy.
Test your knowledge with 13 questions on Acute and Chronic Skin Conditions.
1. Regarding skin integrity, which of the following statements are correct?
2. An older resident has diabetes, incontinence, frailty, and limited mobility. Which statements correctly describe this clinical context?
Review the complete course in the study sheet for Acute and Chronic Skin Conditions.
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