HS1 2.03 Functions of the Integumentary System

A patient with severe burns loses large amounts of fluids and is at increased risk of infection. Which two functions of the integumentary system have been compromised, and what are the consequences?

• Absorption and Storage; the skin cannot absorb nutrients or store fat.

• Protection and Regulation of body temperature; the skin cannot prevent pathogen entry or maintain fluid balance.

• Excretion and Sensory perception; the skin cannot remove waste or sense pain.

• Production of vitamin D and Storage; the skin cannot produce vitamin D or store water.

A scientist is developing a new topical medication. What factors should be considered regarding the integumentary system’s absorption function to ensure the drug is effective?

• The skin’s ability to store fat and water.

• The thickness of the skin, presence of hair follicles, and skin hydration.

• The skin’s production of vitamin D.

• The skin’s ability to sense pain.

A person with a genetic disorder cannot sweat. Predict the impact on their body’s ability to excrete waste and regulate temperature, and suggest a possible medical intervention.

• They will have increased vitamin D production; recommend more sunlight exposure.

• They will struggle to remove waste and cool their body; recommend cooling devices and hydration.

• They will have improved sensory perception; recommend pain management.

• They will store more fat; recommend dietary changes.

A person living in a region with little sunlight develops bone weakness. Explain how the integumentary system’s function is related to this condition and propose a solution.

• The skin cannot absorb nutrients; recommend more topical creams.

• The skin cannot produce enough vitamin D; recommend vitamin D supplements or increased sunlight exposure.

• The skin cannot excrete waste; recommend more exercise.

• The skin cannot store fat; recommend a high-fat diet.

During a fever, a person’s skin becomes flushed and they sweat profusely. Analyze how the integumentary system responds to maintain homeostasis.

• The skin absorbs more nutrients to fight infection.

• The skin increases blood flow and sweat production to cool the body and remove waste.

• The skin stores more fat to insulate the body.

• The skin produces more vitamin D to boost immunity.

A person with nerve damage in their skin cannot feel pain or temperature changes. Discuss the risks associated with this loss of sensory perception and suggest safety measures.

• Increased risk of burns and injuries; recommend protective clothing and regular skin checks.

• Increased risk of dehydration; recommend drinking more water.

• Increased risk of vitamin D deficiency; recommend supplements.

• Increased risk of fat loss; recommend a high-calorie diet.

A person is exposed to a toxic chemical that is absorbed through the skin. Evaluate the potential consequences and recommend immediate actions.

• The chemical may be stored in fat; recommend a low-fat diet.

• The chemical may enter the bloodstream; recommend washing the skin and seeking medical attention.

• The chemical may increase vitamin D production; recommend sunlight exposure.

• The chemical may improve sensory perception; recommend monitoring for pain.

A person applies a medicated cream to treat a skin infection. What factors could affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication?

• The skin’s thickness, hydration, and presence of wounds.

• The skin’s ability to store fat.

• The skin’s production of vitamin D.

• The skin’s ability to excrete sweat.

A person with kidney disease has high levels of urea in their blood. How might the integumentary system help compensate, and what are the limitations?

• The skin can excrete some urea through sweat, but cannot fully replace kidney function.

• The skin can store urea in fat.

• The skin can absorb urea from the blood.

• The skin can produce vitamin D to lower urea levels.

A person with a genetic mutation produces less melanin in their skin. Assess how this affects the skin’s protective function and suggest precautions.

• Increased risk of dehydration; recommend drinking more water.

• Increased risk of UV damage; recommend sunscreen and protective clothing.

• Increased risk of fat loss; recommend a high-calorie diet.

• Increased risk of infection; recommend antibiotics.