Tenting

Definition

Tenting is a clinical sign where the skin remains elevated and does not return to its normal position promptly when pinched. It often indicates dehydration or poor skin elasticity, which can be associated with malnutrition or certain medical conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tenting is commonly assessed by pinching the skin on the back of the hand or forearm.
2. It often signifies dehydration, which can result from inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss.
3. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in proteins and essential fatty acids, can impair skin elasticity leading to tenting.
4. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease can contribute to poor hydration status and skin changes like tenting.
5. Assessing for tenting is a quick, non-invasive method to evaluate a patient's hydration status in clinical settings.

Review Questions

• What are the primary causes of tenting in patients?
• How can nutritional deficiencies contribute to tenting?
• Why is assessing for tenting important in a clinical setting?

Related terms

Dehydration:

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluids.

Skin Turgor: The skin's ability to change shape and return to normal; used to assess hydration.

Malnutrition:

A state of poor nutrition caused by insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced diet.