1/2006
Northeast Surgical Associates of Ohio
Wound Management Division
Independence, Ohio
Personalized Svstem of Instruction: Skin Tears
Objectives:
1. The Wound Care Nurse Practitioner (WCNP) will be able to explain the
pathogenesis, etiology, Payne -Martin Classification and treatment options of
skin tears to non-wound care providers, health care staff, patients and their
families.
2. The WCNP will be able to outline the risk factors and preventive measures for
skin tears.
3. The WCNP will be able to effectively assess the pattern of skin tears to determine
the possibility of elder abuse.
4. Non-CWS NP's: The WCNP will be able to confidently answer the questions on
the CWS exam about Skin Tears
Directions:
1. Read the attached articles on Skin Tears.
2. Answer the study guide questions.
3. Submit a copy of the completed study guide questions to the Clinical
Coordinator by date specified on cover letter
4. The Clinical Coordinator will return the corrected questions to you with a
copy of "Synthesis of Knowledge: Skin Tears" which needs to be completed
by date specified.
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner
everywhere.
- A Chinese Proverb.
Study Guide Questions:
1. Define a skin tear.
2. What is the largest organ of the body?
3. List the eight primary functions of the skin:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
4. Name the two layers of Skin:
5. Another name for the epidermal-dermal junction is:
6. Define:
a. Epidermis:
b. Dermis:
c. Subcutaneous tissue:
7. Effects of aging on the skin include:
a. The epidermis
b. The skin is more
c. The barrier function
d. Thermoregulation is
.
.
_
.
2
e. Paper-thin
8. Why are atrophied
appearance
sites
9. What kind of patients
of elderly skin occurs when
prone to injury?
are at the highest risk for skin tears?
10. Second highest number of skin tears is seen in what population?
11. What is the Payne-Martin
Classification
of Skin tears?
a. Define Category I:
b. Define Category II:
c. Define Category III:
12. List at least five preventive
as high risk for skin tears:
measures to use in the resident
assessed
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
13. Generally, should adhesive dressings be used to treat
skin tears?
14. What caused the skin tear is an important part of your assessment.
Medical causes include:
3
Neuromuscular:
a.
b.
c.
Hemato logical:
a.
b.
c.
Nutrition:
a.
b.
c.
Behavioral:
a.
b.
c.
_
-------------------------
15.Skin tears are injuries to fragile skin. Most are accidental and may be
prevented. But skin tears may also be a sign of elder abuse.
Documenting the cause of bruising, skin tears and injuries is
important.
Define:
a. Abrasion:
b. Bruise or contusion:
---------------------
-----------------
c. Ecchymosis:
_
16. Bruising from punching may be seen where on the body:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
4
17. A bruise from a punch usually has an area of central clearing. This
phenomenon is caused
by:
_
18. Xeroform dressings can cause an irritant
skin. What compound causes this reaction?
or chemical reaction in elderly
_
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