Ch 21: Understanding Integumentary Disorders
About This Chapter
Understanding Integumentary Disorders - Chapter Summary
This comprehensive chapter helps you gain an understanding of integumentary disorders. As you progress through these simple and expertly taught lessons, you'll break down the characteristics of various integumentary issues, such as pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, blunt trauma and I.V. infiltration. Upon completion of the chapter, you should be equipped to:
- Differentiate between pressure ulcers and MASD wounds
- Identify wound infections
- Describe the causes, symptoms and treatment for I.V. infiltration
- Classify surgical wounds
- Evaluate the differences between blunt trauma and penetrating trauma
We've included self-assessment quizzes throughout the chapter to help you reinforce the topics you study. If you have any questions about the material, our instructors are available to help you out. You can also access the chapter's resources any time using your computer or mobile devices.

1. I.V. Infiltration: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Intravenous (I.V.) infiltration is a medical complication caused by nonvesicant drugs leaking from the vein at an injection site and invading the surrounding tissue. Explore I.V. infiltration causes, diagnostic symptoms, common treatments, and prevention tips.

2. MASD Wound vs. Pressure Ulcer
Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD) and pressure ulcers both affect skin integrity, but are very different in nature. Read this lesson to learn more about the specifics of each condition and how their treatments vary.

3. Wound Infection: Identification & Treatment
This lesson will review inflammation and describe how to determine when a wound is infected. Symptoms on wound infections will be described and treatment options presented.

4. Surgical Wound Classification: Definition & Examples
Surgical wounds can be classified based on their cleanliness and their risk of infection. Learn the definition of a surgical wound and explore how they are grouped in four different classifications.

5. Penetrating Trauma vs. Blunt Trauma
Traumas are injuries caused by external forces, but not all traumas are the same. Explore the characteristics and differences between penetrating trauma and blunt trauma, how these injuries occur, and the forces involved in the injuries.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the AACN CCRN (Adult) Certification: Exam Review & Study Guide course
- Patient Assessment & Diagnostics
- Medication Management for Nursing
- Nursing Procedures & Emergency Response
- Acute Coronary Syndromes & Cardiovascular Emergencies
- Aneurysms & Cardiovascular Diseases
- Understanding Heart Disease & Failure
- Understanding Defects & Disorders of the Heart
- Cardiovascular Nursing Actions
- Acute Respiratory Conditions
- Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Thoracic Injury & Trauma
- Overview of Pulmonary Nursing Actions
- Pulmonary Nursing Actions & Tools for Pulmonary Procedures
- Understanding Endocrine Disorders
- Hematology & Immunology Disorders
- Hematology & Immunology Nursing Actions
- Understanding Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Nursing Actions
- Understanding Renal Disorders
- Nursing Actions for Renal Problems
- Integumentary Nursing Actions
- Musculoskeletal Disorders & Nursing Actions
- Understanding Neurological Disorders
- Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Neurological Nursing Actions
- Understanding Behavioral & Psychosocial Disorders for Nurses
- Behavioral & Psychological Nursing Actions
- Multisystem Clinical Judgments in Nursing
- Understanding Sepsis & Shock
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
- Sedation Nursing Actions
- Professional Care & Ethical Practices in Nursing