Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Assessment 1 - Integumentary Practical Assessment Updated 2022
Assessment 1 - Integumentary Practical Assessment Updated 2022
Student Statement: This assessment is my own work. Any ideas and comments made by other people have been
acknowledged. I understand that by emailing or submitting this assessment electronically, I agree to this statement.
PRIVACY DISCLAIMER: CIT is collecting your personal information for assessment purposes. The information will only be used in
accordance with the CIT Privacy Policy.
Assessor Feedback
Note from Assessor: Please record any reasonable adjustment that has occurred for this assessment.
The completed skin assessment and worksheet are to be uploaded in the drop box on
eLearn by the due date.
Read about the skin by accessing the article on the following link:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm
1. Discuss four (4) changes that occur in the layers of the skin as ageing occurs. Your discussion must include changes in
the epidermis, in connective tissue, subcutaneous fat and sweat glands.
The four changes that occour in the layers of the skin as ageing occours are given below:
Changes in the epidermis: The epidermis thins as ageing occurs, leading to a decrease in the production of keratinocytes,
which are the cells that make up the majority of the epidermis. This can result in skin becoming thinner and more fragile,
leading to an increased risk of skin damage and injury.
Changes in connective tissue: As we age, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, which leads to a loss
of elasticity and firmness. This results in wrinkles and sagging skin. Fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen
and elastin, also decrease in number, which further contributes to skin ageing.
Changes in subcutaneous fat: Subcutaneous fat decreases with ageing, particularly in the face, hands, and feet. This loss of
fat can cause the skin to look less plump and youthful, leading to a more aged appearance.
Changes in sweat glands: The number of sweat glands in the skin decreases with ageing, and the remaining sweat glands
become less active. This can result in the skin feeling drier and more prone to irritation and infection.
As explained above, older people will be more susceptible to skin problems The effects of aging on the skin can result in a
decreased ability to protect the body from external stressors, leading to increased susceptibility to injury, infections, and
other skin-related conditions like dryness of skin, fragility and thinness, skin irritation and so on. It is important for older
clients to take extra care of their skin, such as using moisturizers, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and seeking medical
attention for any skin changes or issues.
3. List and describe 1 potential complication related with skin integrity that may be caused by using incorrect manual
handling techniques when repositioning an immobile patient. Reduce Skin Tears-Patient Manual Handling Techniques | KMO
Health
and use your nursing textbook to answer this question.
Using incorrect manual handling techniques when repositioning an immobile patient can lead to several potential
complications related to skin integrity such as :
Pressure ulcers or bedsores
Skin tears or abrasions
Shearing or friction injuries
Hematomas or bruises
Edema or swelling
Reduced circulation and tissue perfusion
Increased risk of infection
4. what are the consequences of lack of proper pressure area care in immobile patient? What are the preventative
measures to prevent this from happening?
Clinical Guidelines (Nursing) : Pressure injury prevention and management (rch.org.au)
Unequal distribution of pressure, poor blood flow, friction, shear, and tissue ischemia can all contribute to the develop of a
Pressure injury. The deep fascia, subcutaneous fat, skin, bone, and muscle can all be damaged by unrelieved pressure in
immobile patients.
ii) List six (6) symptoms which may indicate a change from normal.
The six (6) symptoms which may indicate a change from normal are:
A mole or pigmented spot on the skin that changes in size, shape or color.
A new mole or spot on the skin that appears suddenly or begins to grow rapidly.
Irregularly shaped moles or spots with uneven borders or multiple colors.
Moles or spots that are larger than 6mm in diameter.
Itchy, painful or bleeding moles or spots.
A dark streak or line underneath a nail that extends from the nail bed to the tip of the nail.
Cancer Council Australia Melanoma Guidelines Working Party, Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of melanoma, Cancer
Council Australia, Sydney, viewed 22 July 2020, available from wiki.cancer.org.au/australia/Guidelines:Melanoma.
RCH. (n.d.). The Royal Children's hospital melbourne. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from
https://www.rch.org.au/rchcpg/hospital_clinical_guideline_index/Pressure_Injury_Prevention_and_Management/
Wounds International. (2018, April 24). The prevention and management of skin tears in aged skin. THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF
SKIN TEARS IN AGED SKIN. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from
https://www.woundsinternational.com/uploads/resources/57c1a5cc8a4771a696b4c17b9e2ae6f1.pdf
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Aging changes in Skin: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm