Question 1

The nurse notes that an older patient is malnourished and has minimal subcutaneous tissue.Which functions of the subcutaneous tissue of the skin should the nurse consider as being potentially altered in this patient? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

In the subcutaneous tissue are numerous white blood cells that destroy any pathogens that have entered by way of broken skin.Subcutaneous adipose tissue cushions some bones and provides some insulation from cold,but its most important function is energy storage.D.Excess nutrients are changed to triglyceride and stored as potential energy for times when food intake may decrease.C.Hair follicles are located in the dermis not in the subcutaneous tissue.

Question 2

A patient has lost all hair over the head,face,and neck from a house fire.What should the nurse do to help the patient since the protective function of the hair has been lost? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Human hair keeps dust and sweat out of the eyes.Nostril hair filters air entering the nasal cavities.Hair on the head provides thermal insulation.A.E.Hair does not ensure adequate hydration or reduce pain.Increasing fluids and providing pain medication will not help replace the protective function of the patient's hair.

Question 3

A patient with second-degree burns is concerned about skin repair.What should the nurse include when explaining the functions of the epidermal layers of the skin? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The stratum corneum is many layers of dead cells; all that remains is their keratin.An unbroken stratum corneum is an effective barrier against pathogens and most chemicals,although even microscopic breaks are sufficient to permit their entry.Keratin is relatively waterproof,so it prevents the loss of water and therefore dehydration,and also prevents the entry of excess water by way of the body surface.Also in the epidermis are Langerhans' cells,a type of macrophage that presents foreign antigens to helper T cells.This is the first step in the destruction of pathogens that have penetrated the epidermis.A.The sensory receptors are in the dermis.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a dark-skinned African American patient.Which sites should the nurse use evaluate for the presence or absence of cyanosis? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis presents as a gray cast to the skin.The nail beds,palms,and soles may have a bluish cast.A.C.Jaundice can be noted in the oral mucosa (particularly the hard palate)and in the sclera closest to the cornea.E.The inner aspect of the arm is not used to evaluate for cyanosis.

Question 5

The nurse is assisting in the presentation of the skin for a group of senior citizens in the community center.Which normal changes associated with aging should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

In normal aging,cell division slows,hair follicles become inactive,and fibroblast in the dermis die.E.F.Sebaceous and sweat glands become less,not more,active.B.Subcutaneous fat decreases,not increases.

Question 6

The nurse is reviewing the structure and function of the skin with a patient recovering from multiple abrasions.Which should the nurse explain as being classified as sudoriferous glands? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Sudoriferous glands are also known as sweat glands.There are two kinds of sudoriferous glands: apocrine and eccrine.Apocrine glands are really modified scent glands and are most numerous in the axillae and genital area; they are activated by stress and emotions.Eccrine glands are found throughout the dermis but are most numerous on the face,palms,and soles.Modified sweat glands called ceruminous glands are found in the dermis of the ear canals.Their secretion is called cerumen or earwax.D.Sebaceous glands secrete a lipid substance.A.Melanocytes produce melanin.

Quiz 53: Integumentary System Function,Assessment,and Therapeutic Measures