10.6 Applying the Nursing Process

Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN)

Assessment

Subjective Assessment

During a subjective assessment of a client’s integumentary system, begin by asking about current symptoms such as itching, rashes, or wounds. If a client has a wound, it is important to determine if a client has pain associated with the wound so that pain management can be implemented. For clients with chronic wounds, it is also important to identify factors that delay wound healing, such as nutrition, decreased oxygenation, infection, stress, diabetes, obesity, medications, alcohol use, and smoking.[1] See Table 10.6a for a list of suggested interview questions to use when assessing a client with a wound.

If a client has a chronic wound or is experiencing delayed wound healing, it is important for the nurse to assess the impact of the wound on their quality of life. Reasons for this may include the frequency and regularity of dressing changes, which affect daily routine; a feeling of continued fatigue due to lack of sleep; restricted mobility; pain; odor; and the side effects of multiple medications. The loss of independence associated with functional decline can also lead to changes in overall health and well-being. These changes include altered eating habits, depression, social isolation, and a gradual reduction in activity levels.

Table 10.6a Interview Questions Related to Integumentary Disorders

Symptoms Questions Follow-up Questions
Current Symptoms Are you currently experiencing any skin symptoms such as itching, rashes, or an unusual mole? Please describe.
Wounds Do you have any current wounds such as a surgical incision, skin tear, arterial ulcer, venous ulcer, diabetic or neuropathic ulcer, or a pressure injury?

If a wound is present:

  • Is the wound painful?
  • Do you have any symptoms of infection in the wound, such as increased redness, drainage, warmth, or tenderness around the wound?
 Please describe.

Use the PQRSTU method to comprehensively assess pain. Read more about the PQRSTU method in the “Pain Assessment Methods” section of the “Comfort” chapter.
Medical History Have you ever been diagnosed with a wound related to diabetes, heart disease, or peripheral vascular disease? Please describe.
If chronic wounds or wounds with delayed healing are present:
Medications Are you taking any medications that can affect wound healing, such as oral steroids to treat inflammation or help you breathe? Please describe.
Treatments What have you used to try to treat this wound? What was successful? Unsuccessful?
Symptoms of Infection (pain, purulent drainage, etc.) Are you experiencing any symptoms of infection related to this wound such as increased pain or yellow/green drainage? Please describe.
Stress Have you experienced any recent stressors such as surgery, hospitalization, or a change in life circumstances? How do you cope with stress in your life?
Smoking Do you smoke? How many cigarettes do you smoke a day? How long have you smoked? Have you considered quitting smoking?
Quality of Life Has this wound impacted your quality of life? Have you had any changes in eating habits, feelings of depression or social isolation, or a reduction in your usual activity levels?

Objective Assessment

When performing an objective integumentary assessment on a client receiving inpatient care, it is important to perform a thorough exam on admission to check for existing wounds, as well as to evaluate their risk of skin breakdown using the Braden Scale. Agencies are not reimbursed for care of pressure injuries received during a client’s stay, so existing wounds on admission must be well-documented. Routine skin assessment should continue throughout a client’s stay, usually on a daily or shift-by-shift basis based on the client’s condition. If a wound is present, it is assessed during every dressing change for signs of healing. See Table 10.6b for components to include in a wound assessment. See Figure 10.22[2] for an image of a common tool used to document the location of a skin concern found during assessment.

Read more information about performing an overall integumentary assessment in the “Integumentary Assessment” chapter in Open RN Nursing Skills, 2e.

For additional discussion regarding assessing wounds, go to the “Assessing Wounds” section of the “Wound Care” chapter in Open RN Nursing Skills, 2e.

There are many common skin disorders that a nurse may find during assessment. Read more about common skin disorders in the “Common Integumentary Conditions” section of the “Integumentary Assessment” chapter in Open RN Nursing Skills, 2e.

Table 10.6b Wound Assessment

Wound Assessment
Type Types of wounds may include abrasions, lacerations, burns, surgical incisions, pressure injuries, skin tears, arterial ulcers, or venous ulcers. It is important to understand the type of wound present to select appropriate interventions.
Location The location of the wound should be documented precisely. A body diagram template is helpful to demonstrate exactly where the wound is located.
Size Wound size should be measured regularly to determine if the wound is increasing or decreasing in size. Length is measured using the head-to-toe axis, and width is measured laterally. If tunneling or undermining is present, their depth should be assessed using a sterile, cotton-tipped applicator and documented using the clock method.
Degree of Tissue Injury Wounds are classified as partial-thickness (meaning the epidermis and dermis are affected) or full-thickness (meaning the subcutaneous and deeper layers are affected). See Figure 10.1 in the “Basic Concepts” section for an image of the layers of skin.

For pressure injuries, it is important to assess the stage of the injury (see information on staging in the “Pressure Injuries” section).
Color of Wound Base Assess the base of the wound for the presence of healthy, pink/red granulation tissue. Note the unhealthy appearance of dark red granulation tissue, white or yellow slough, or brown or black necrotic tissue.
Drainage The color, consistency, and amount of exudate (drainage) should be assessed and documented at every dressing change. Drainage from wounds is often described as scant, small/minimal, moderate, and large/copious amounts. Use the following descriptions to select the appropriate terms:[3]

  • No exudate present: The wound base is dry.
  • Scant amount of exudate present: The wound is moist, but no measurable amount of exudate appears on the dressing.
  • Minimal amount of exudate on the dressing: Exudate covers less than 25% of the bandage.
  • Moderate amount of drainage: Wound tissue is wet, and drainage covers 25% to 75% of the bandage.
  • Large or copious amount of drainage: Wound tissue is filled with fluid and exudate covers more than 75% of the bandage.

The type of wound drainage should be described using medical terms such as serosanguinous, sanguineous, serous, or purulent:

  • Sanguineous: Sanguineous exudate is fresh bleeding.[4]
  • Serous: Serous drainage is clear, thin, watery plasma. It’s normal during the inflammatory stage of wound healing, and small amounts are considered normal wound drainage.[5]
  • Serosanguineous: Serosanguineous exudate contains serous drainage with small amounts of blood present.[6]
  • Purulent: Purulent exudate is thick and opaque. It can be tan, yellow, green, or brown in color. It is never considered normal in a wound bed, and new purulent drainage should always be reported to the health care provider.[7] See Figure 10.23[8] for an image of purulent drainage.
Tubes or Drains Check for patency and if they are attached correctly.
Signs and Symptoms of Infection Assess for signs and symptoms of infection, which include the following:

  • Redness
  • Warmth of surrounding tissue
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness or pain
  • Purulent drainage
  • Fever
  • Increased white blood cell count
Wound Edges and Periwound Assess the surrounding skin for maceration or signs of infection.
Pain Assess for pain in the wound or during dressing changes. If pain is present, use the PQRSTU or OLDCARTES method to obtain a comprehensive pain assessment.

 

Image showing Skin Concern Documentation Pocket Pad
Figure 10.22 Skin Concern Documentation

 

Photo showing a vial of purulent drainage
Figure 10.23 Purulent Drainage

See Table 10.6c for a comparison of expected versus unexpected findings on integumentary assessment.

Table 10.6c Expected Versus Unexpected Findings

Assessment Expected Findings Unexpected Findings
Skin Color: appropriate for ethnicity

Temperature: warm to touch

Texture: smooth, soft, and supple

Turgor: resilient

Integrity: no wounds or lesions noted

Sensory: no pain or itching noted

 Color: pale, white, red, yellow, purple, black and blue

Temperature: cool or hot to touch

Texture: rough, scaly or thick; thin and easily torn; dry and cracked

Turgor: tenting noted

Integrity: rashes, lesions, abrasions, burns, lacerations, surgical wounds, pressure injuries noted

Pain or pruritus (itching) present
Hair Full distribution of hair on the head, axilla, and genitalia Alopecia (hair loss), hirsutism (excessive hair growth over body), lice and/or nits, or lesions under hair
Nails Smooth, well-shaped, and firm but flexible Cracked, chipped, or splitting nail; excessively thick; presence of clubbing; ingrown nails
Skin Integrity Skin intact with no wounds or pressure injuries. Braden Scale is 23 A wound or pressure injury is present, or there is risk of developing a pressure injury with a Braden scale score of less than 23

Diagnostic and Lab Work

When a chronic wound is not healing as expected, laboratory test results can provide additional clues for the delayed healing. See Table 10.6d for a summary of lab results that offer clues to systemic issues causing delayed wound healing.

Table 10.6d Lab Values Associated with Delayed Wound Healing[9]

Abnormal Lab Value Rationale
Low hemoglobin Low hemoglobin indicates less oxygen is transported to the wound site.
Elevated white blood cells (WBC) Increased WBC indicates infection is occurring.
Low platelets Platelets have an important role in the creation of granulation tissue.
Low albumin Low albumin indicates decreased protein levels. Protein is required for effective wound healing.
Elevated blood glucose or hemoglobin A1C Elevated blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels indicate poor management of diabetes mellitus, a disease that negatively impacts wound healing.
Elevated serum BUN and creatinine BUN and creatinine levels are indicators of kidney function, with elevated levels indicating worsening kidney function. Elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels impact wound healing because it can indicate increased breakdown of the body’s protein stores due to deficient protein in the diet.
Positive wound culture Positive wound cultures indicate an infection is present and provide additional information including the type and number of bacteria present, as well as identifying antibiotics the bacteria is susceptible to. The nurse reviews this information when administering antibiotics to ensure the prescribed therapy is effective for the type of bacteria present.

Life Span and Cultural Considerations

Newborns and Infants

Newborn skin is thin and sensitive. It tends to be easy to scratch and bruise and is susceptible to rashes and irritation. Common rashes seen in newborns and infants include diaper rash (contact dermatitis), cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), newborn acne, and prickly heat.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Because of high levels of activity and increasing mobility, this age group is more prone to accidents. Issues like lacerations, abrasions, burns, and sunburns can occur frequently. It is important to be highly aware of the potential for accidents and implement safety precautions as needed.

School-Aged Children and Adolescents

Skin rashes tend to affect skin within this age group. Impetigo, scabies, and head lice are commonly seen and may keep children home from school. Acne vulgaris typically begins during adolescence and can alter physical appearance, which can be very upsetting to this age group. Another change during adolescence is the appearance of axillary, pubic, and other body hair. Also, as these children spend more time out of doors, sunburns are more common, and care should be given to encourage sunscreen and discourage the use of tanning beds.

Adults and Older Adults

As skin ages, many changes take place. Because aging increases the loss of subcutaneous fat and collagen breakdown, skin becomes thinner and wrinkles deepen. Decreased sweat gland activity leads to drier skin and pruritus (itching). Wound healing is slowed because of reduced circulation and the inability of proteins and proper nutrients to arrive at injury sites. Hair loses pigmentation and turns gray or white. Nails become thicker and are more difficult to cut. Age or liver spots become darker and more noticeable. The number of skin growths increases and includes skin tags and keratoses.

Diagnoses

There are several NANDA-I nursing diagnoses related to clients experiencing skin alterations or those at risk of developing a skin injury. See Table 10.6e for common NANDA-I nursing diagnoses and their definitions.

Table 10.6e Common NANDA-I Nursing Diagnoses Related to Integumentary Disorders[10]

Risk for Adult Pressure Injury: Adult susceptible to localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear, which may compromise health.
Impaired Skin Integrity: Altered epidermis and/or dermis.
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity: Susceptible to alteration in epidermis and/or dermis, which may compromise health.
Impaired Tissue Integrity: Damage to the mucous membrane, cornea, integumentary system, muscular fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, joint capsule, and/or ligament.
Risk for Impaired Tissue Integrity: Susceptible to damage to the mucous membrane, cornea, integumentary system, muscular fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, joint capsule, and/or ligament, which may compromise health.

For example, a commonly used NANDA-I nursing diagnosis for clients experiencing alterations in the integumentary system is Impaired Tissue Integrity, defined as, “Damage to the mucous membrane, cornea, integumentary system, muscular fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, joint capsule, and/or ligament.”

To verify accuracy of this diagnosis for a client, the nurse compares assessment findings with defining characteristics of that diagnosis. Selected defining characteristics for Impaired Tissue Integrity include the following[11]:

  • Acute pain
  • Bleeding
  • Impaired skin integrity
  • Hematoma
  • Localized area hot to touch
  • Localized swelling or numbness

A sample NANDA-I diagnosis in PES format would be: Impaired Tissue Integrity related to pressure over bony prominence as evidenced by localized area of swelling that is hot to touch.

Outcome Identification

An example of a broad goal for a client experiencing alterations in tissue integrity is:

  • The client will experience tissue healing.

A sample SMART expected outcome for a client with a wound is:

  • The client’s wound will decrease in size and have increased granulation tissue within two weeks.

Planning Interventions

In addition to the interventions outlined under the “Braden Scale” section to prevent and treat pressure injury, see the following box for a list of interventions to prevent and treat impaired skin integrity. As always, consult a current, evidence-based nurse care planning resource for additional interventions when planning client care.

Selected Interventions to Prevent and Treat Impaired Skin Integrity [12],[13],[14]

  • Routinely assess and document the client’s skin condition (Frequency is determined based on the client’s status.)
  • Use an assessment tool to identify clients at risk for skin breakdown (e.g., Braden Scale). Customize interventions to prevent and treat skin breakdown according to client risk factors and status.
  • If a wound is present, evaluate the healing process at every dressing change. Note and document characteristics of the wound, including size, appearance, staging (if applicable), and drainage. Notify the provider of new signs of infection or lack of progress in healing.
  • Provide wound care treatments, as prescribed by the provider or wound care specialist, and monitor the client’s response toward expected outcomes.
  • Cleanse the wound per facility protocol or as ordered.
  • Maintain non-touch or aseptic technique when performing wound dressing changes, as indicated. (Read more details about using aseptic technique and the non-touch method in the “Aseptic Technique” chapter of the Open RN Nursing Skills,2e textbook.)
  • Change wound dressings as needed to keep them clean and dry and prevent bacterial reservoir.
  • Monitor for signs of infection in an existing wound (as indicated by redness, warmth, edema, increased pain, reddened appearance of surrounding skin, fever, increased white blood cell count, changes in wound drainage, or sudden change in client’s level of consciousness).
  • Apply lotion to dry areas to prevent cracking.
  • Apply lubricant to moisten lips and oral mucosa, as needed.
  • Keep skin free of excess moisture. Use moisture barrier ointments (protective skin barriers) or incontinence products in skin areas subject to increased moisture and risk of skin breakdown.
  • Educate the client and/or family caregivers on caring for the wound and request return demonstrations, as appropriate.
  • Administer medications, as prescribed, and monitor for expected effects.
  • Consult with a wound specialist, as needed.
  • Obtain specimens of wound drainage for wound culture, as indicated, and monitor results.
  • Advocate for pressure-relieving devices in clients at risk for pressure injuries, such as elbow protectors, heel protectors, chair cushions, and specialized mattresses and monitor the client’s response.
  • Promote adequate nutrition and hydration intake, unless contraindicated.
  • Use a minimum of two-person assistance and a draw sheet to pull a client up in bed to minimize shear and friction.
  • Reposition the client frequently to prevent skin breakdown and to promote healing. Turn the immobilized client at least every two hours, according to a specific schedule.
  • Maintain a client’s position at 30 degrees or less, as appropriate, to prevent shear.
  • Keep bed linens clean, dry, and wrinkle free.

Implementation

Before implementing interventions, it is important to assess the current status of the skin and risk factors present for skin breakdown and modify interventions based on the client’s current status. For example, if a client’s rash has resolved, some interventions may no longer be appropriate (such as applying topical creams). However, if a wound is showing signs of worsening or delayed healing, additional interventions may be required. As always, if the client demonstrates new signs of localized or systemic infection, the provider should be notified.

Evaluation

It is important to evaluate for healing when performing wound care. Use the following expected outcomes when evaluating wound healing:

  • Resolution of periwound redness in 1 week
  • 50% reduction in wound dimensions in 2 weeks
  • Reduction in volume of exudate
  • 25% reduction in amount of necrotic tissue/eschar in 1 week
  • Decreased pain intensity during dressing changes[15]

If a client is experiencing delayed wound healing or has a chronic wound, it is helpful to advocate for a referral to a wound care nurse specialist.

Read a sample nursing care plan for a client with impaired skin integrity.

  1. Grey, J. E., Enoch, S., & Harding, K. G. (2006). Wound assessment. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 332(7536), 285–288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7536.285 ↵
  2. “putool7bfig.jpg” by unknown is licensed under CC0. Access for free at https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/resource/pressureulcer/tool/pu7b.html. ↵
  3. Wound Care Advisor. (n.d.). Exudate amounts. https://woundcareadvisor.com/exudate-amounts/#:~:text=Small%20or%20minimal%20amount%20of,than%2075%25%20of%20the%20bandage ↵
  4. Wound Care Advisor. (n.d.). Wound exudate types. https://woundcareadvisor.com/wound-exudate-types/#:~:text=Serous%20drainage%20is%20clear%2C%20thin,may%20indicate%20a%20high%20bioburden ↵
  5. Wound Care Advisor. (n.d.). Wound exudate types. https://woundcareadvisor.com/wound-exudate-types/#:~:text=Serous%20drainage%20is%20clear%2C%20thin,may%20indicate%20a%20high%20bioburden ↵
  6. Wound Care Advisor. (n.d.). Wound exudate types. https://woundcareadvisor.com/wound-exudate-types/#:~:text=Serous%20drainage%20is%20clear%2C%20thin,may%20indicate%20a%20high%20bioburden ↵
  7. Wound Care Advisor. (n.d.). Wound exudate types. https://woundcareadvisor.com/wound-exudate-types/#:~:text=Serous%20drainage%20is%20clear%2C%20thin,may%20indicate%20a%20high%20bioburden ↵
  8. “Purulent knee aspirate.JPG” by James Heilman, MD is licensed under CC BY 3.0 ↵
  9. Grey, J. E., Enoch, S., & Harding, K. G. (2006). Wound assessment. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 332(7536), 285–288. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7536.285 ↵
  10. Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C.T. (Eds.). (2021). Nursing diagnoses: Definitions and classification 2021-2023, Twelfth Edition. Thieme Publishers New York. ↵
  11. Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C.T. (Eds.). (2021). Nursing diagnoses: Definitions and classification 2021-2023, Twelfth Edition. Thieme Publishers New York. ↵
  12. Wagner, C. M., Butcher, H.K., & Clarke, M.F. (2024). Nursing interventions classification (NIC) (8th ed.). Elsevier. ↵
  13. Ackley, B., Ladwig, G., & Makic, M. B. (2016). Nursing diagnosis handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care (11th ed.). pp. 884-885. Elsevier. ↵
  14. Cox, J. (2019). Wound care 101. Nursing, 49(10), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000580632.58318.08 ↵
  15. Bryant, R. A., & Nix, D. P. (2010). Acute and chronic wounds: Current management concepts (4th ed.). Elsevier. ↵
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