Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease characterized by rapid skin cell production. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks the skin. During physical assessments of patients, nurses look for certain signs when they suspect the patient has psoriasis.
Assessment
The nurse may see signs of psoriasis such as patches of red, scaly and thickened skin when assessing the skin of a psoriasis patient. At this time, the nurse also interviews the patient to probe for problems associated with the skin disease.
Nursing Diagnosis
After assessing a psoriasis patient's skin, the nurse describes the patient's problem with a nursing diagnosis. Nurses use these diagnoses to plan nursing care and implement activities that may reduce the patient's discomfort and improve his condition. "Essentials of Nursing: Care of Adults and Children," by Barbara Kuhn Timby and Nancy Ellen Smith states that "disturbed body image: related to embarrassment about skin appearance and self-perception of uncleanliness" is a nursing diagnosis for psoriasis.
Goal of Care
For the patient who is embarrassed about having psoriasis, the goal of nursing care is to help the patient accept and cope effectively with the changes in his skin. The nurse does this by teaching the patient that the disease has no permanent cure. Teaching the patient how to perform skin care for psoriasis and encouraging the patient to join psoriasis support groups is another way to help him accept the condition.
References
- "Essentials of Nursing: Care of Adults and Children" by Barbara Kuhn Timby and Nancy Ellen Smith; 2004
- "Home Health Nursing: Assessment and Care Planning"; Karen McGough Monks, Marie S. Jaffe; 2003.
