14.0: Introduction

Figure 14.1 Dermatological conditions often produce symptoms of itching and rashes. (credit: modification of “Woman Scratching Skin” by NIAID/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

A nurse is admitting a patient with an unknown skin condition for further evaluation by the health-care provider. The patient’s skin is red and flaking. What are the nurse’s next steps when gathering pertinent information on this patient? When completing the physical assessment, what other information might the nurse need to assist the health-care provider with this patient’s diagnosis? Once the cause and diagnosis are determined, what nursing interventions would the nurse implement for this patient? This chapter reviews common dermatological conditions encountered in the health-care setting. After reading this chapter, you will better understand how to recognize and analyze cues of a patient’s integumentary conditions. Also, you will be able to determine a priority nursing diagnoses, create a nursing care plan, generate nursing interventions, and expected outcomes related to your interventions.