1. Integumentary & Soft-Tissue Disorders 🔍
Hallmark Assessment Patient Education
Disorder Key Nursing Priorities
Findings Pearls
Monitor lesion size/number;
Reddish-purple / dark-blue Adherence to
Kaposi assess for visceral
macules, often on skin or antiretroviral therapy if
sarcoma involvement; psychosocial
oral mucosa HIV-related
support
Most impactful
Basal cell Early detection, surgical
Pearly nodule or rolled prevention: avoid sun
carcinoma excision or Mohs; teach
border; rarely metastasizes 10 AM – 4 PM; SPF
(BCC) wound care
30+ re-applied q2 h
ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Lifelong dermatology
Malignant Border irregularity, Color Rapid surgical excision; pain follow-up; reinforce
melanoma variation, Diameter > 6 control is priority post-op monthly self-skin
mm, Evolving) exams
Stage 2 = pink/red partial- Reposition q2 h, pressure-
Pressure Do not massage
thickness + possible blister; redistribution surface,
injuries erythematous areas
Stage 3 = visible fat ↑protein & calories
Stress reduction; avoid
Emollients post-bath, vitamin scratching; report fever
Red plaques w/ silvery
Psoriasis D or topical steroids, while on systemic
scales on extensor surfaces
phototherapy agents (e.g.,
methotrexate)
Virus transmissible
HSV-2 Initiate antivirals
even without lesions—
(genital Painful vesicles, recurrent (acyclovir/valacyclovir)
condom use,
herpes) promptly; analgesia
suppressive therapy
Local warm, erythematous, Mark borders, elevate limb, Finish antibiotics;
Cellulitis
tender area; possible fever IV antibiotics, analgesics report ↑pain/redness
Contact isolation, mupirocin
Honey-colored crusted No school/daycare x24
Impetigo or systemic abx, hand-
lesions (face) h after abx start
hygiene
Remove irritant, topical Wear cotton clothing;
Contact Pruritic erythema where
steroids, cool compresses, moisturize, avoid hot
dermatitis allergen contacts skin
colloid baths water baths
Do not pick;
Gentle cleanse BID, topical
Acne Comedones/pustules mostly sunscreen; may take
retinoids/benzoyl peroxide;
vulgaris face, chest, back months for
isotretinoin for cystic
improvement
Permethrin lotion; nit Wash linens / clothes
Pediculosis Nits at hair shafts, intense
combing with vinegar-dipped hot water + hot dryer;
(lice) pruritus
comb bag items 2 wks
Hallmark Assessment Patient Education
Disorder Key Nursing Priorities
Findings Pearls
Monitor lesion size/number;
Reddish-purple / dark-blue Adherence to
Kaposi assess for visceral
macules, often on skin or antiretroviral therapy if
sarcoma involvement; psychosocial
oral mucosa HIV-related
support
Most impactful
Basal cell Early detection, surgical
Pearly nodule or rolled prevention: avoid sun
carcinoma excision or Mohs; teach
border; rarely metastasizes 10 AM – 4 PM; SPF
(BCC) wound care
30+ re-applied q2 h
ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Lifelong dermatology
Malignant Border irregularity, Color Rapid surgical excision; pain follow-up; reinforce
melanoma variation, Diameter > 6 control is priority post-op monthly self-skin
mm, Evolving) exams
Stage 2 = pink/red partial- Reposition q2 h, pressure-
Pressure Do not massage
thickness + possible blister; redistribution surface,
injuries erythematous areas
Stage 3 = visible fat ↑protein & calories
Stress reduction; avoid
Emollients post-bath, vitamin scratching; report fever
Red plaques w/ silvery
Psoriasis D or topical steroids, while on systemic
scales on extensor surfaces
phototherapy agents (e.g.,
methotrexate)
Virus transmissible
HSV-2 Initiate antivirals
even without lesions—
(genital Painful vesicles, recurrent (acyclovir/valacyclovir)
condom use,
herpes) promptly; analgesia
suppressive therapy
Local warm, erythematous, Mark borders, elevate limb, Finish antibiotics;
Cellulitis
tender area; possible fever IV antibiotics, analgesics report ↑pain/redness
Contact isolation, mupirocin
Honey-colored crusted No school/daycare x24
Impetigo or systemic abx, hand-
lesions (face) h after abx start
hygiene
Remove irritant, topical Wear cotton clothing;
Contact Pruritic erythema where
steroids, cool compresses, moisturize, avoid hot
dermatitis allergen contacts skin
colloid baths water baths
Do not pick;
Gentle cleanse BID, topical
Acne Comedones/pustules mostly sunscreen; may take
retinoids/benzoyl peroxide;
vulgaris face, chest, back months for
isotretinoin for cystic
improvement
Permethrin lotion; nit Wash linens / clothes
Pediculosis Nits at hair shafts, intense
combing with vinegar-dipped hot water + hot dryer;
(lice) pruritus
comb bag items 2 wks
