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Pharmacology for Nurses

Key Terms

Pharmacology for NursesKey Terms

Key Terms

acne vulgaris
a skin condition in which skin pores and hair follicles become blocked, resulting in inflamed skin lesions
atopic dermatitis (eczema)
a long-term, systemic inflammatory response mediated by both genetic and environmental factors expressed as patchy, red, inflamed lesions
contact dermatitis
an acute inflammatory skin reaction to an aggravating factor resulting in local redness, itching, and fluid-filled vesicles
cutaneous warts
bumps on the skin surface that result from a viral infection
dermis
the innermost layer of the skin, composed of two sublayers, found between the epidermis and hypodermis
epidermis
the outermost layer of the skin, composed of five sublayers; rests above the dermis
hypodermis
the foundation of the skin that anchors the dermis to muscles
impetigo
a cutaneous bacterial infection that develops as a honey-colored crust on the skin surface
Langerhans cells
cells located within the epidermis that act against invading organisms
papillae
fingerlike projections that extend from the dermis into the epidermis and hold the two layers together
plaque
a raised, well-demarcated skin lesion arising from damage or deposits on the skin
psoriasis
a systemic condition of the skin resulting from increased skin cell mitosis
rosacea
a reddened facial rash characterized by broken blood vessels and small red bumps
sebum
an oily, lipid-based substance that lubricates the skin and hair
superficial fascia
the foundation of the skin that anchors the dermis to the muscles
vesicant
any IV drug capable of causing blistering and tissue damage if leakage around the IV site occurs
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