Page 889 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 29

Integumentary Problems

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Priority Concepts
Infection; Tissue Integrity

I. Eczema (Dermatitis)
A. Description
1. Superficial inflammatory process involving primarily
the epidermis; there are many types, some of which
include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and
stasis dermatitis.
2. Associated with family history of the disorder,
allergies, asthma, or allergic rhinitis

3. The major goals of management are to relieve

pruritus, lubricate the skin, reduce inflammation, and
prevent or control secondary infections.
B. Forms of eczema (Box 29-1)
C. Assessment
1. Redness
2. Scaliness
3. Itching
4. Minute papules (firm, elevated, circumscribed lesions
< 1 cm in diameter) and vesicles (similar to papules
but fluid-filled)

5. Weeping, oozing, and crusting of lesions

6. Lesions can occur on scalp and face (infants), creases
of elbows and knees, neck, wrists, ankles, or creases
between the buttocks and legs.

D. Interventions

1. Baths and moisturizers are important; bathing water
should be tepid and bath should be limited to 5 to 10
minutes, and the skin should be moisturized
immediately after the bath; a thick cream or ointment
should be used, such as petroleum jelly.
2. If topical medications are prescribed, they should be

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