Integumentary Assessment
Why this is important
You will learn the process and importance of performing a generalized assessment of the skin, hair and
nails. You will be able to identify and characterize normal/abnormal skin variations using a specified
format. You will be able to identify variations due to age, race, gender, culture and developmental stage.
What you will learn to do
Perform an integumentary assessment
Knowledge and skills you will learn along the way
This learning plan addresses the following learning objectives to help you master the competency:
a. Define key terms.
b. Review normal anatomy of the integumentary system
c. List pertinent questions to ask a patient in order to collect subjective data regarding the
integumentary system.
d. Outline the steps of assessing the integumentary system.
e. Describe variations in skin determined by race/ethnicity
f. Describe how to assess skin lesions in terms of symmetry, border, color, size and elevation
(ABCDE) as well as the arrangement of lesions
g. Identify risk factors for skin cancer
h. Explain the purpose for the use of and how to complete the Braden Skin Scale
i. Distinguish the stages of pressure ulcers
j. Describe the characteristics of normal hair in terms of distribution, quantity, texture and color
k. Explain how the characteristics of color, shape, and texture of nails suggest disease entities
l. Distinguish between normal and abnormal findings.
m. Describe developmental and cultural differences to take into consideration.
n. Explain how to properly document findings.
Learning Activities
a. PREVIEW the Performance Standards and Learning Objectives for this competency outlined
b.
c.
d.
e.
above.
READ Jarvis chapter 12 (Skin, Hair, and Nails)
VIEW or READ a presentation on integumentary assessment
VIEW a demonstration of an integumentary assessment
PRACTICE an integumentary assessment on a peer
Assessment Activities
a. DEMONSTRATE satisfactory completion of performance check off
b. DOCUMENT findings of the integumentary assessment on flowsheet and/or nursing notes and
submit for evaluation
c. DEMONSTRATE ability to apply knowledge by completing an exam.