Question

what is the importance of assessing the skin? why do nurses assess the skin?

Answer 1

     A comprehensive skin assessment from head to foot is mandatory to analyze or identify any disease. The nurses should touch the skin,examine the skin foldings ,observe the colour of the skin and see for any allergies. The skin assessment includes inspection, palpation and percussion.This should be done in the health care setting as soon as the patient is admitted to avoid various risks.

Importance of skin assessment :

    * It helps in early detection and prevention of certain disease.

* It helps to identify patient at risk of skin breakdown and damage.

    * It helps to know skin color, its integrity,moisture,edema,turgor and temperature.

Nurses perform skin assessment for various reasons. They are as follows:

    * During skin assessment, nurses will teach the patients the structure and function of skin , the changes in oxygenation,perfusion and hydration and how it leads to tissue damage,how to take care of the skin,importance of hydrating skin, explain how skin is damaged and skin cleansing practices.

    * The nurse gives attention to ulcer ares and identify its progress and provide massage therapy and pat the skin.If it is venous ulcer, nurse will elevate the legs of patient up abouve heart level for 30 minutes atleast 3 to 4 times a day can reduce edema.