ADDRESSING THE SKIN AND ITS PURPOSE - PART 1

 The skin as we all know it , covers the body and 
appears to be of little importance. It is used to put
on makeup and improve appearances.

However , the skin can give clues to many things
happening to the body. 

Here are examples of the uses of the skin:
- It helps to regulate body temperature
through sweating , blood flow like vasodilation
( heat loss) or vasoconstriction ( heat retention).
- used for IV sites, checking blood glucose
- checking oxygen saturation
Learn more about:The skin

The skin creates a barrier to keep out infection.

It is the entry port for most surgical procedures.
It helps to regulate temperature.

The clinical scenario above, shows a patient
in Hypovolemic Shock. The skin is cool and
clammy. This is caused by blood loss. In an
attempt to preserve the body's temperature,
vasoconstriction occurs. 

The blood vessels narrow and blood is shunted
to the most vital organs like the heart , brain and
kidneys. This results in cool , clammy skin.

An assessment reveals:
- decrease in oxygen saturation
- decrease in BP, cool, clammy skin

- rapid respirations and heart rate

- decreased level of consciousness

 enjoy watching the videos:

 Sessions 43

Hypovolemic Shock  

Diabetes Mellitus may be Type 1 or Type 2. 

Peripheral vascular disease and gangrene

In the image above, a patient has PVD
( Peripheral vascular disease). The skin gives
clues to poor circulation. It becomes discolored
 and painful. Diabetes and cigarette smoking are
 some of the causes. His toes are gangrenous.

Learn more about: Diabetic complications

The patient with DKA has flushed skin. Checking
blood glucose frequently, will be done through the
skin. IV site used for fluid replacement, will be done
through the skin.

Learn more about : Diabetic education and

DKA ( Diabetic ketoacidos