Skin is very important barrier and a break in the skin can create an entry port for infection. Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a clinical manifestation of moisture-associated skin damage and is a common problem in patients with fecal or urinary incontinence (Gray et al, 2007). IAD presents clinically as skin redness with or without blistering, skin erosion or loss of skin barrier function (Junkin and Selekof, 2007). Skin lesions are characterized by erosion of the epidermis and a macerated appearance of the skin (Gray et al, 2007). Older patients, especially those in long term care facilities, are at increased risk of developing IAD
CNAs have an important role to monitor the skin of their patients to prevent incontinence associated dermatitis. Frequent toileting/diaper changes-can prevent incontinence associated dermatitis. CNA’s should report any new skin breakdown to their nurse or supervisor.
At the end of this course, the CNA/HHA will be able to;
- Will be able to define a skin lesion
- Will be able to recognize common skin disorders such as Skin Lesions, Abrasions and Acne
- Understand the common causes of a skin lesions
- Be able to recognize different types of skin lesions
- Understand incontinence associated dermatitis and how it can be prevented
- Understand what contact dermatitis is and know how it can be prevented
To complete the course successfully, you must go through all the lessons below. You MUST mark each lesson as complete by clicking the MARK COMPLETE BUTTON. If you do not click the mark complete button, you will not be allowed to proceed to the next lesson. Please notice that all lessons have a minimum set amount of time that you are expected to spend on each lesson. You will not be allowed to Mark the Lesson Complete until the timer resets to zero; that is, until the minimum time set for the course has passed. For example if lesson A has an allocated minimum time of 10 minutes, you will have to wait 10 minutes before you can mark Lesson A complete. The Mark Complete button for lesson A will be grayed out and will not become active until 10 minutes are over. WARNINGIf you forget to click the Mark Complete button done, you will be prompted to go back to that lesson again and have to wait till the allocated timed minutes resets to zero again before the Mark Complete button becomes active. After all lessons are completed and they are Marked Completed, you will then be allowed to take the post test. If you successfully pass the quiz, you will earn CEU’s for this course and you can proceed to print out your certificate.