I had a patient in my care yesterday who was a pretty interesting case. I had never seen anything like it (I am relatively new to nursing...still in new grad orientation). This patient had a history of skin cancer, lung cancer, and was admitted for pneumonia. The major issue all day, however, became skin care. This woman had SEVERE flaking of the skin from HEAD TO TOE. It was so terrible that the some areas were becoming raw, red, and bleeding, especially on her back. The physicians were more concerned about the pulmonary issues and sepsis (MRSA in blood) than the skin. Now, I know that dehydration can cause dry, itchy, flaky skin, but I never thought this bad. I considered dehydration to be the problem due to the following reasons: 1. patient sucked down fluids like I had never seen 2. patient stated she had had no oral intake for the previous 4 DAYS 3. patient took in 1350 cc in 8 hours and only put out 100cc very concentrated urine.
I guess my question is, has anyone ever see dehydration cause skin dryness, flaking, and itching this severe? Unfortunately, the patient was transferred to Johns Hopkins, where she had been previosuly followed, before the skin condition was addressed. I mean, this poor lady was screaming in agony, fear, and pain . Anyone seen anything like this, and if so, was it due to dehydration or is it a specific condition?
. Anyone seen anything like this, and if so, was it due to dehydration or is it a specific condition?