NR224 Fundamentals Exam 2 Study
Guide
CH 48: Skin Integrity and Wound Care
1. Describe the dermis and the epidermis.
Dermis:The dermis, the inner layer of the skin, provides tensile strength;
mechanical support; and protection for the underlying muscles, bones,
and organs. It differs from the epidermis in that it contains mostly
connective tissue and few skin cells.
Collagen (a tough, fibrous protein), blood vessels, and nerves are found in
the dermal layer. Fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen
formation, are the only distinctive cell type within the dermis.
Epidermis: The epidermis, or the top layer, has several layers. The
stratum corneum is the thin, outermost layer of the epidermis. It consists
of flattened, dead, keratinized cells. The cells originate from the
innermost epidermal layer, commonly called the basal layer.
Cells in the basal layer divide, proliferate, and migrate toward the
epidermal surface. After they reach the stratum corneum, they flatten
and die. 1185This constant movement ensures replacement of surface
cells sloughed during normal desquamation or shedding.
2. What are three pressure related factors that contribute to
pressure ulcers? Why?
Three pressure-related factors which contribute to pressure ulcer
development:
1. Intensity
2. Duration
3. Tissue Tolerance
These can be caused by:
Major cause is PRESSURE!
Guide
CH 48: Skin Integrity and Wound Care
1. Describe the dermis and the epidermis.
Dermis:The dermis, the inner layer of the skin, provides tensile strength;
mechanical support; and protection for the underlying muscles, bones,
and organs. It differs from the epidermis in that it contains mostly
connective tissue and few skin cells.
Collagen (a tough, fibrous protein), blood vessels, and nerves are found in
the dermal layer. Fibroblasts, which are responsible for collagen
formation, are the only distinctive cell type within the dermis.
Epidermis: The epidermis, or the top layer, has several layers. The
stratum corneum is the thin, outermost layer of the epidermis. It consists
of flattened, dead, keratinized cells. The cells originate from the
innermost epidermal layer, commonly called the basal layer.
Cells in the basal layer divide, proliferate, and migrate toward the
epidermal surface. After they reach the stratum corneum, they flatten
and die. 1185This constant movement ensures replacement of surface
cells sloughed during normal desquamation or shedding.
2. What are three pressure related factors that contribute to
pressure ulcers? Why?
Three pressure-related factors which contribute to pressure ulcer
development:
1. Intensity
2. Duration
3. Tissue Tolerance
These can be caused by:
Major cause is PRESSURE!
