Question 1

When reading the history and physical records of a patient who has alopecia, the nurse should recognize which of the following conditions as a possible cause?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Alopecia can have various causes, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, chemotherapy for cancer, and androgenic causes such as male pattern baldness. An overactive pituitary is not typically associated with alopecia.

Question 2

A patient with a history of pruritis says, "The itching seems to improve when I take my allergy medicine." The nurse realizes that this is most likely because

Accepted Answer

Allergy medicine typically contains antihistamines, which reduce the release of histamine that causes itching. Therefore, it is likely that the patient's itching is improving because of the reduced histamine release from the allergy medication.

Question 3

A patient is receiving his first ultraviolet light therapy treatment for psoriasis. Which of the following should be included in this patient's teaching?

Accepted Answer

The skin may become reddened after treatment, usually within eight hours, and may last for several days. It is important for the patient to know this so they can anticipate and manage any potential side effects.

Answer: B 
 The length of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the psoriasis and the individual patient's response. Therefore, the patient should be aware that treatment time may differ during subsequent treatments.

Answer: C 
 While rare, there is a small risk of eye damage or mucous membrane irritation from UV light therapy. Therefore, it is important to inform the patient of this risk and ask them to wear eye protection during the treatment.

Answer: D 
 UV light therapy is not always the treatment of choice for psoriasis on 10% of the body. The treatment plan should be determined by the healthcare provider based on the severity and location of the psoriasis, as well as the individual patient's medical history and preferences.

Question 4

A patient has an infection of the cuticle involving several fingernails on both hands causing pain and edema. The condition has been present for several months. The nurse would recognize this condition as being related to the patient's employment as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Dishwashers frequently have prolonged exposure to water and detergents, which can damage the cuticles of the fingers and allow bacteria to enter, causing infection. This condition is often referred to as "dishpan hands" and is commonly seen in individuals who work in the food service industry.

Question 5

A patient with skin cancer is recovering from a surgical procedure in which the layers of the lesion were shaved off. The nurse realizes that this patient most likely has had which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains. This method ensures all cancer cells are removed while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible, which aligns with the description of the procedure mentioned.

Question 6

A female patient is prescribed isotretinoin (Accutane). Which of the following should the nurse instruct the patient about this medication? Select all that apply.  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A female patient is prescribed isotretinoin (Accutane)....

Question 7

A patient diagnosed with psoriasis is being treated with topical corticosteroids. With which of the following should the nurse instruct the patient regarding the correct way to apply the medication?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should instruct the patient to apply the topical corticosteroid in a thin layer to the affected area. This will help to minimize systemic absorption and reduce the risk of adverse effects. Rubbing the medication into the skin should be avoided as it can cause skin irritation. Applying a thick layer of medication is not recommended as it can increase the risk of adverse effects and may not be effective in treating the condition. The patient should also be instructed to follow the prescribed regimen and contact the healthcare provider if there is a worsening of the condition.

Question 8

The mother of a 12-year-old child states that she is concerned about her daughter's hair. She reports that her daughter frequently scratches her scalp and the hair "is clumpy and smells really bad." Which of the following should the nurse do to assist this mother?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described by the mother (itching, clumpy hair, bad smell) are consistent with head lice infestation. Therefore, suggesting that the daughter is checked for head lice is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take.

Question 9

A female patient comes into the clinic with an itchy reddened area on both hands. Which of the following assessment techniques should the nurse include in the patient's assessment?

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest a possible allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, which can be caused by exposure to new soaps, perfumes, or other substances. Asking the patient about any recent changes in personal grooming or household products can provide valuable information for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the patient's presenting symptoms.

Question 10

A 47-year-old female patient with a history of sun exposure is concerned that she has a disease because she says, "There are broken blood vessels on my cheeks." The nurse realizes that this patient is describing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Telangiectases are small, dilated blood vessels on the surface of the skin. They often appear on the cheeks and nose and can be caused by chronic sun exposure or certain medical conditions. The other options, nevus flammeus, venous lakes, and skin tags, do not accurately describe the patient's symptoms.

Question 11

A female patient comes into the clinic with eyelid redness and edema. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the assessment of this patient?

Accepted Answer

Eyelid redness and edema can be a sign of an allergic reaction to eye makeup, so it would be appropriate to ask the patient if she has been thoroughly removing all of her eye makeup.

Question 12

A female patient comes into the clinic concerned that while on a recent vacation she noticed several small patches of skin that "just won't tan." The nurse realizes that this patient might be experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described by the patient are consistent with tinea versicolor, which can cause patches of skin that appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and do not tan properly. Tinea capitis, corporis, and cruris are types of fungal infections that typically present with different symptoms.

Question 13

A patient experiencing intense itching of the scalp and face has pediculosis in the hair and eyebrows. Which of the following should be included in the information provided to the patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient experiencing intense itching of the...

Question 14

A 57-year-old female patient complains of "strange pimples" over her buttocks region. The nurse realizes that this patient might be experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Acne conglobata is a severe form of acne that can affect various parts of the body, including the buttocks. It is characterized by large lesions and deep, interconnected abscesses, which could be described as "strange pimples."

Question 15

The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a group of community teenagers about acne. Which of the following should be included in this teaching plan?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Sun exposure with sunscreen can help manage acne, and keeping hair clean prevents oil from worsening acne. Avoiding greasy foods and excessive washing or squeezing pimples are not recommended as they can exacerbate acne.

Question 16

A patient is prescribed oral griseofulvin (fulvicin) for a fungal infection of the nails. The nurse instructs the patient to take the medication with food. Which of the following food should the nurse recommend to the patient?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Griseofulvin is better absorbed when taken with fatty foods. Ice cream and cheese are high in fat, which can enhance the absorption of the medication.

Question 17

A 35-year-old female patient is diagnosed with advanced malignant melanoma. The nurse realizes that this patient

Accepted Answer

Advanced malignant melanoma indicates that the cancer has progressed and spread beyond its point of origin. This typically signifies a poor prognosis, although the exact outcome may be uncertain and difficult to predict. Surgery may be a component of the patient's treatment plan, but additional interventions such as chemotherapy and radiation may also be necessary. Age alone is not a definitive factor in predicting the prognosis for melanoma patients.

Question 18

A 52-year-old male patient of English descent is diagnosed with basal cell cancer on the face and forehead. Which of the following should the nurse include when teaching this patient about his diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and it tends to be slow-growing but has a high potential for recurrence if not treated appropriately. Therefore, it is essential to teach the patient that regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important. B is incorrect because basal cell carcinoma is not typically considered a virulent form of skin cancer. C is incorrect because while surgery is a common treatment, leaving the cancer alone can lead to it progressing and causing significant damage. D is incorrect because basal cell carcinoma is not rare, with an estimated one million cases diagnosed each year in the United States.

Question 19

A 68-year-old male patient comes into the clinic with a "strange painful rash" located on the left side of his upper chest. The nurse realizes that this patient might be experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The location of the rash on the left side of the upper chest and the description of a "strange painful rash" are typical of herpes zoster, also known as shingles. Herpes simplex typically presents with blisters on or around the mouth or genital area. Verruca plana and condylomata acuminata are both types of warts and would not present as a painful rash on the chest.

Question 20

The nurse instructs a patient with melanoma to "eat foods rich in protein and calories." This intervention is most likely associated with which of the following nursing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Eating foods rich in protein and calories can help support tissue repair and growth, which is important for the healing process of impaired skin integrity, such as in melanoma. This intervention is not directly related to the other nursing diagnoses listed.

Quiz 16: Nursing Care of Patients with Integumentary Disorders

When reading the history and physical records of a patient who has alopecia, the nurse should recognize which of the following conditions as a possible cause? Select all that apply.