Practical Nursing Approaches

Skin evaluation and its importance

Skin evaluation is a method that involves examining the body’s emotional, mental, and physical elements. It also considers social and environmental elements that may have an impact on the patient. In this instance, the nurse must be vigilant when checking the body and asking the patient questions (Chiang, 2014). The objective of this essay is to demonstrate how skin assessment should be performed.

Importance of patient introduction and history taking

The nurse must identify themselves to the patient and explain why they are performing the evaluation. Karim Malmstrom, as seen in the video, made a clear introduction and stated her intentions. It is also required that the doctor should ask for the history of the person before commencing with the assessment with the aim of understanding the causes of the skin problem (Ersser, 2010). After getting to know the history, Malmstrom carefully examined Mr. T her patient from neck to toe with the aim of checking whether there is any skin discoloration, spots, and texture.

Identification of specific skin issues

In this case, Mr. T had spots that had started reflecting as early as he was 65 years old. So Malmstrom upon knowing when they started, she successfully managed to ask more questions as to whether they have any itchiness or pain. She later chose to explain to the patient the meaning of the spots depending on the way they look. The learner also managed to check for the scars in the body where she found one on the left leg and asked how it got there. She also managed to find out whether it was treated and if there were any other pains he felt.

Areas of improvement for the learner

Despite the fact that Malmstrom (the student) managed to do most of the tasks, she also needs improvement. For instance, it is professional for a nurse to start the skin assessment from the scalp of the patient to ensure that the hair and skin are healthy. The nurse is also required to wear gloves on her hands as she is performing the task. Malmstrom needs to improve particularly in this area because she did not even check. Then, a thorough skin checkup should be carried out primarily by the arms before moving to the feet.

Additional aspects to consider during skin assessment

A good example she is supposed to do is the skin stagger which checks how hydrated the skin is. Also, when the skin is properly tested, it will be easy for the doctor to determine whether the skin condition is external or internal. For instance, when someone has jaundice, their skin tends to be yellowish due to the malfunction of either the liver or the pancreases (Cox & Coulson, 2013). Lastly, Malmstrom was supposed to thoroughly check the skin for skin rashes that may be caused by particular soap detergents. The best ways to improve the learner is by several practices because this will enhance her ability to remember all that she is required to do.

Conclusion

When one understands how to assess the skin, then they have the primary skill a nurse requires. It is very essential to perform a comprehensive skin assessment to note any skin changes that may require diagnosis. The skill assessment expertise also ensures that the patient gets the appropriate investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. As a result, the patient’s skin condition will go back to normal.

References

Chiang NY, Verbov J. (2014). Handbook of Dermatology for medical students and junior doctors (2nd edition). London.

Ersser SJ. Assessment and Planning Care. (2010). In: Ersser SJ and Penzer R (eds). Principles of Skin Care. Chapter 3. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

Cox NH, Coulson IH. Diagnosis of skin disease. (2013). In: Burns T, Breathnach S, Cox N, Griffiths C (eds). Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology (8th edition) Chapter 5. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.