Health Assessment 1: Skin, Hair And Nails

The functions of the skin include maintaining body homeostasis, serving as a boundary for body fluids, providing protection, regulating body temperature, acting as the largest sensor organ, and aiding in the synthesis of vitamin D. Skin does not have direct roles in aiding digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, or processing auditory signals.

The effects of aging on the skin and nails typically involve thinning, weakening, dryness, brittleness, yellowing, and other changes. These changes are natural and occur due to biological processes associated with aging.

Dryness in the breast can be a symptom of various conditions, but one of the more serious potential causes is cancer. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

Melanoma incidence rates vary significantly among different ethnicities, with whites being more susceptible than blacks and Hispanics.

Skin conditions such as keloids, pigmentary disorders, pseudofolliculitis, and melasma are more commonly seen in black patients due to genetic predispositions and differences in skin structure and pigmentation.

Pruritis refers to the sensation of itching on the skin, often caused by irritation or allergic reaction.

Basal Cell carcinoma and Squamous Cell carcinoma are less likely to metastasize compared to Malignant Melanoma as stated in the correct answer.

Squamous cell carcinomas are most commonly caused by actinic keratoses, which are non-cancerous precancerous lesions. Basal cell carcinomas, melanomas, and dysplastic nevi are different types of skin lesions that do not typically lead to squamous cell carcinomas.

The correct risk factors for cancer include a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices, rather than simply positive behaviors or traits.

It is important to follow the guidelines of applying sunscreen to ensure protection against harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen only when feeling burnt is not recommended as protection should be preemptive. Using the minimum SPF 15 is crucial to provide adequate protection. Applying a small amount of sunscreen may not cover the entire skin adequately, hence the recommended 30-60mL per application.

When examining a mole for signs of cancer, it is important to consider asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, and evolution/elevation. Other factors such as shape, texture, size, gradual change, uniformity, soreness, depth, location, smoothness, consistency, age, and family history may not be as definitive in determining the malignancy of a mole.

When inspecting the skin, it is important to assess texture, moisture, turgor, temperature, color, and lesions as they provide valuable information about the overall health and condition of the skin.

Central cyanosis typically involves lips and tongue, while peripheral cyanosis involves extremities like hands and feet. Peripheral cyanosis can also be influenced by factors like anxiety or cold.

When inspecting lesions, healthcare professionals look for specific characteristics such as colour, elevation, location, pattern/shape, size, and exudate to assess the nature of the skin abnormality.

A macule is not a cyst. It is a flat spot on the skin. Raised, solid lesions up to 1cm are known as papules, not macules. Deep, painful bumps below the skin's surface are called nodules, not macules.

Patches are flat spots on the skin, unlike raised bumps, blisters, or lines.

A papule is a small, elevated, superficial lesion up to 1cm in size. An example of a condition characterized by papules is psoriasis.

A plaque is a dermatological term referring to a raised, flat-topped lesion on the skin, different from the other options provided.

A nodule is a type of skin lesion that is distinct from other types like papules, pustules, and cysts. The correct answer provides a clear definition of a nodule along with an example to illustrate it.

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other materials. It usually occurs in the body, and the fluid inside can be expressed or drained.

A wheal is a skin reaction characterized by edema and redness caused by an allergic reaction. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately describe a wheal or its causes.

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the formation of wheals or welts on the skin. It is typically caused by an allergic reaction or other factors such as stress or infections.

A vesicle is specifically defined as a fluid-filled cavity, typically smaller in size, not related to bacterial infections, abnormal growths, or general skin rashes.

A bulla is a dermatological term used to describe a large blister on the skin, typically caused by conditions such as insect bites.

A pustule is a small bump filled with pus that can occur in conditions like acne or smallpox. The incorrect answers are unrelated to the medical definition of a pustule.

The correct answers provided describe each term accurately in the context of skin conditions and injuries. Make sure to understand the differences between scale, crust, scar, keloids, and lichenification to answer questions related to dermatology accurately.

Erosion involves superficial loss of skin, excoriation is a linear erosion caused by scratching, fissure is a linear crack in the skin, and ulcer is a deeper loss of both epidermis and dermis.