Skin Turgor and Fluid Imbalance Quiz

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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 (A)

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?

<p>Pinched skin returns immediately (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a pinched skin taking 30 seconds or longer to return indicate?

<p>Decreased turgor due to dehydration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To assess skin turgor at the sternum or clavicle, have the patient lie down and use __ fingers to pinch the skin.

<p>2</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a slow return of the skin to its usual state?

<p>Dehydration</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the skin of older adults?

<p>Skin loses turgor due to decreased elasticity and collagen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Skin Turgor

The elasticity of the skin, which is affected by hydration levels. Normal turgor means the skin quickly returns to its normal state after being pinched.

Normal Fluid Balance

Normal fluid balance ensures that when the skin is pinched, it promptly returns to its original state upon release.

Skin in Fluid Volume Deficit

In a fluid volume deficit, the skin remains tented (does not return to normal) after being pinched.

Normal Turgor Indicators

At the sternum or clavicle, immediate return of pinched skin indicates normal turgor.

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Slow Skin Return

If pinched skin takes 30 seconds or longer to return to normal, it indicates decreased turgor, often because of dehydration.

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Assessing Turgor

Using two fingers to pinch the skin at the sternum or clavicle during assessment.

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Slow Return of Skin

Dehydration is indicated by a slow return of the skin to its original state.

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Skin of Older Adults

Older adults' skin loses turgor due to decreased elasticity and collagen, which is a natural part of aging.

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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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