Master Interventions for Impaired Skin Integrity with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Skin breakdown is caused in several ways including friction, shear, pressure, and moisture. Signs to look for include redness, discoloration, cracks, rashes, scabs, blisters, dry, raised, or shiny skin.

Pain may be one of the first signs to indicate a patient is uncomfortable. It is important to assess the cause of the pain and implement interventions such as a position change to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.

Skin breakdown occurs when skin, soft tissue, and blood vessels are compressed, cutting off blood circulation, thus starving the tissue of oxygen and vital nutrients. The body tries to compensate by sending more blood to the area, resulting in redness and swelling.

Decreased skin turgor is a late sign of dehydration and can alert the nurse to be especially diligent in assessing the entire body for signs of skin breakdown. To assess turgor, start by grasping an area of the skin such as the back of the hand between two fingers so that it is tented up. Skin with decreased turgor remains elevated and returns slowly to its normal position.

Bleeding is another indicator of skin breakdown. Wash the affected area with warm soap and water and loosely cover if necessary.

Bony prominences, most notably the elbows, ankles, occiput and sacrum are at risk for impaired skin integrity and pressure ulcers. Thus, when assessing patients at risk, these locations should be well examined.

Changing the patient's position frequently and turning them every 2 hours is vital to maintaining skin integrity. This can be done with the use of pillows to shift body weight and reduce pressure, especially along bony prominences such as the back of the head, shoulder blades, elbows, sacrum, and heels.

Use devices to relieve pressure such as pillows under heels or lower back. Rotational beds may also be seen in the hospital setting and are effective in automatically relieving pressure.

Excess moisture over-hydrates the skin, making it weak and more prone to friction, shear, and breakdown. It is vital to frequently assess the body for sources of skin moisture such as sweating, bowel and bladder accidents, and drainage from wounds.

A balanced diet consisting of an adequate intake of protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc along with a proper intake of fluids aids the body to prevent or heal wounds.