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Assessment Physical Examination of the Skin
By
Sharon Kerr MSN, RN
Spring 2010
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Inspection and palpation of the skin:
color : pallor, cyanosis, jaundice, redness
temperature
moisture
turgor
lesions
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What is a Lesion?
A wound, injury, or pathological change in
the body.
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Lesions
General Description: color, size, location
Shape: linear, oval, round, annular (ring like)
Distribution: local, generalized, scattered, at pressure points, etc.
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Types of Lesions
Primary – appear initially
Secondary – result from change in primary
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Primary Lesions Macule: freckle
Patch: café au lait
Papule: wart
Nodule: lipoma
Vesicle: chickenpox, blister
Bulla: hives
Pustule: acne, impetigo
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More Primary Lesions
Abrasion or Excoriation
Ecchymosis
Erythema
Petichiae
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Secondary Lesions Scale: dandruff
Scar:
Fissure: athlete’s foot
Ulcer: decubitis
Crust: impetigo scabs
Keloid: hypertropic scar
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Vesicles
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Annular
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Scattered --psoriasis
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Erythematous rash
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Petichiae
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Nail Assessment
Lesions
Capillary refill – blanch test
Shape --normal angle 160 degrees clubbing > 180 degrees
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Hair Assessment
Texture
Distribution
Infestation