Questions and Answers
What is the definition of skin turgor?
Elasticity of the skin, influenced by dehydration; skin should be resilient when pinched.
Normal fluid balance results in the pinched skin quickly returning to normal when it is released.
True
What happens to the skin in fluid volume deficit?
The skin does not return to normal after being pinched and remains tented.
What indicates normal turgor at the sternum or clavicle?
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What does a pinched skin taking 30 seconds or longer to return indicate?
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To assess skin turgor at the sternum or clavicle, have the patient lie down and use __ fingers to pinch the skin.
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What is indicated by a slow return of the skin to its usual state?
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What happens to the skin of older adults?
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Study Notes
Skin Turgor Definition
- Refers to the skin's elasticity, which is affected by hydration levels.
- Skin should be resilient when pinched, indicating proper turgor.
- Best assessed over the forearm or other bony areas like the clavicle or sternum.
- Decreased turgor leads to a phenomenon known as tenting.
- Normal turgor is characterized as elastic, suggesting adequate fluid volume.
Fluid Imbalance
- Healthy fluid balance allows skin to quickly return to its normal state after being pinched.
- In fluid volume deficit, skin remains tented and does not return to baseline.
- Assessment locations include the forehead, anterior chest, and medial forearm.
Normal Turgor Assessment at Sternum or Clavicle
- Skin pinched over these areas should immediately return to its original position.
- Normal skin exhibits mobility, elasticity, and quick recoil after pinching.
Abnormal Findings at Sternum or Clavicle
- Skin that takes 30 seconds or longer to return to its original position indicates abnormal turgor.
- Decreased turgor is a sign of dehydration and signifies fluid imbalance.
Assessment Procedure at Sternum or Clavicle
- Instruct the patient to lie down for accurate assessment.
- Use two fingers to gently pinch the skin over the clavicle.
Indicators of Decreased Turgor
- A delayed return of the skin to its normal state suggests dehydration.
- Recoil in less than 2 seconds indicates moderate dehydration.
- A return time greater than 2 seconds points to severe dehydration.
- Tenting is defined as a return time exceeding 3 seconds.
Effects of Aging on Skin Turgor
- In older adults, skin turgor diminishes due to reduced elasticity and collagen.
- This loss of turgor leads to sagging or wrinkling, particularly noticeable in the face, breasts, and scrotal areas.
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Description
Test your knowledge on skin turgor and its relationship with fluid imbalance. This quiz covers definitions, assessment techniques, and the implications of skin elasticity on hydration status. Perfect for students in health science or nursing courses.
