Clinical Nursing Guide: Skin Layers, Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous Tissue, Melanin, Hair, Nails, Sweat & Sebaceous Glands, Primary & Secondary Lesions, Edema, Pitting, Turgor, Lesion Assessment, Melanoma, Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Nail & Capillar

Clinical Nursing Guide: Skin Layers, Epidermis, Dermis, Subcutaneous Tissue, Melanin, Hair, Nails, Sweat & Sebaceous Glands, Primary & Secondary Lesions, Edema, Pitting, Turgor, Lesion Assessment, Melanoma, Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Nail & Capillary Evaluation, ABCDE Rule, Infant/Adolescent/Adult Skin Changes, Head & Neck Anatomy, TMJ, Thyroid, Lymph Nodes, Cranial Nerves I-XII, Eye Assessment, PERRLA, Snellen Chart, Extraocular Movements, Ophthalmoscopy, Presbyopia, Ear Assessment, Tympanic Membrane, Weber & Rinne Tests, Nose & Nasal Cavity, Kiesselbach’s Plexus, Oral Cavity, Tonsils, Oral Health Promotion, NCLEX & HESI Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 Skin layers The skin has three layers: the epidermis (thin outer protective layer), the dermis (inner supportive layer containing blood vessels and nerves), and the subcutaneous layer (fat layer that insulates the body and stores energy). What are the functions of the skin? The skin protects the body, prevents entry of harmful substances, allows sensation, regulates temperature, repairs wounds, excretes wastes, produces vitamin D, and communicates emotional responses. What structures are epidermal appendages? Hair, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, and nails. What pigment determines skin color and protects from UV radiation? Melanin. What is normal skin color? Skin color should be consistent with the patient's genetic background and may range from pinkish tan to dark brown with yellow or olive undertones. Where is pigmentation normally lighter in darker skin tones? Palms, nail beds, and lips. What subjective questions should the nurse ask during a skin assessment? Ask about history of skin diseases, changes in moles or pigmentation, itching, dryness or excessive moisture, bruising, rashes or lesions, medications, hair loss, nail changes, and environmental or occupational exposures. What skin assessment questions should be asked for infants or children? Ask about birthmarks, diaper rash, skin color changes, burns or bruises, contagious skin exposure, and sun protection. What skin assessment questions should be asked for adolescents? Ask about acne, pimples, and blackheads. What skin assessment questions should be asked for older adults? Ask about skin changes, delayed wound healing, diabetes history, peripheral vascular disease, skin care habits, skin pain, falls, and foot or toenail problems. What should the nurse inspect during a skin exam? Skin color, pigmentation, symmetry, lesions, vascular patterns, and bruising. What characteristics are assessed when palpating skin? Temperature, moisture, texture, thickness, edema, mobility, and turgor. How is skin temperature assessed? Using the back of the hands while comparing both sides of the body. What is normal skin moisture? Skin should feel slightly moist. What is norm