Question 1

The mother of a teenaged female with a severe case of acne expresses concern about her daughter's hygiene habits. Which response by the nurse is most helpful?

Accepted Answer

By asking the mother about her concerns, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the situation and provide specific recommendations for addressing any issues with hygiene practices that may be contributing to the teenage daughter's acne. This response is more focused on addressing the mother's specific concerns rather than general statements about acne and hygiene.

Question 2

A patient with a history of tinea pedis is concerned about developing the disorder again. Which intervention can the nurse suggest to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence?

Accepted Answer

Wearing open-toed or sandal-style footwear allows for better ventilation and decreases the likelihood of moisture buildup, which can contribute to the growth of tinea pedis. Cotton undergarments and soaking in salted water are not relevant to preventing tinea pedis, and applying lotion may actually contribute to the growth of the fungus by creating a moist environment.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Alopecia can be caused by a thyroid disorder or chemotherapy for cancer.

Question 4

A patient asks the nurse about possible options regarding treatment for a malignant melanoma lesion on the arm. Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The preferred method of treatment for malignant melanoma is surgical removal of the lesion. Anticancer cream may be used for some types of skin cancer, but it is not effective for melanoma. Radiation therapy may be used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery, but it is not typically used as a primary treatment. Intravenous chemotherapy may be used for advanced melanoma, but it is not typically used as a first-line treatment.

Question 5

A patient has paronychia involving several fingers on one hand. The patient reports having the condition for several months. Which treatment would the nurse recommend in addition to prescribed antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

In addition to antibiotics, hot compresses can help reduce swelling and pain associated with paronychia. Vitamin E oil and increasing protein intake may have some benefits for nail health, but are unlikely to have a significant impact on an existing infection. Soaking the hands in cool water may actually worsen the condition by providing a moist environment for bacteria to thrive.

Question 6

The nurse is counseling a patient who has atopic dermatitis (eczema) and has developed a secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection. To prevent this type of infection from recurring in the future, the nurse should recommend which action?

Accepted Answer

Applying an emollient to the affected area can help reduce dryness and itching, which can prevent scratching and further damage to the skin that can allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. Taking antibiotics for an extended period of time or on a recurring schedule can contribute to antibiotic resistance and should only be done under the direction of a healthcare provider. Taking frequent showers, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, can actually worsen eczema symptoms by removing natural oils from the skin. Allergy testing may be helpful in identifying triggers for eczema flares, but is not directly related to preventing secondary infections.

Question 7

A patient has a lesion in the left axilla that is deep, painful, and contains pus. The lesion is three centimeters in diameter and is walled off. The nurse anticipates treatment to be initiated for which condition?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient has a lesion in the...

Question 8

A patient at risk for the development of skin cancer is discussing sun exposure prevention with the nurse. What guidelines should the nurse offer?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Limiting time spent in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is recommended because the UV rays are the most intense during these hours.
B) Sunglasses that wrap around the face provide better protection for the eyes and the skin around the eyes.
C) A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more is recommended to block both UVA and UVB rays.

Question 9

The nurse is planning care for a patient recently diagnosed with herpes zoster. Which nursing diagnosis will the nurse give highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain is the highest priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with herpes zoster due to the presence of painful vesicles or blisters on the skin. Pain management is essential to promote comfort and facilitate healing. Ineffective Health Maintenance, Anxiety, and Deficient Knowledge are also relevant nursing diagnoses for a patient with herpes zoster, but they are not as high of a priority as pain management.

Question 10

Several individuals from a homeless shelter have been diagnosed with pediculosis. The nurse, planning to train staff in the control and prevention of this infection, should include which information?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The nurse should include the information that pediculosis is spread by contact with personal items such as hats and blankets, and is more common in people who lack proper facilities for bathing and washing clothes. The nurse should also include the information that "crabs" is another name for pediculosis. Options D and E are incorrect because pediculosis is not specific to children and is not caused by mites.

Question 11

A patient diagnosed with psoriasis is being treated with topical corticosteroids. How should the nurse instruct the patient to apply the medication?

Accepted Answer

Topical corticosteroids should be applied in a thin layer in order to avoid excessive absorption and adverse effects. Rubbing the medication into the skin should also be avoided, as it can worsen the condition. The skin should be dry before application to improve absorption. If lesions worsen, the patient should consult their healthcare provider as the medication dosage or treatment plan may need to be adjusted.

Question 12

A patient has a small, red, scaling lesion that is sitting on an elevated base on the forehead. The patient states that the lesion appeared several weeks ago and will not heal. The nurse is concerned that the patient has which type of lesion?

Accepted Answer

The description of a small, red, scaling lesion that will not heal and is located on an elevated base is consistent with the appearance of squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Melanoma would more likely have irregular borders and be darker in color. Psoriasis would typically have more widespread and symmetrical scaling. Seborrheic keratosis would have a more uniform color and lack the redness and scaling described.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Basal cell cancer often occurs on the head and neck, especially in older adults who have spent a lot of time in the sun. It is not a rare form of skin cancer, but it is not virulent and should not be left alone without treatment.

Question 14

An African American male patient has recurring folliculitis on the face. Which information should the nurse provide about shaving?

Accepted Answer

Using an electric razor can prevent irritation and ingrown hairs caused by traditional razors.

Question 15

A female patient is prescribed isotretinoin (Accutane). Which information should the nurse provide when teaching about the medication?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Isotretinoin can increase sensitivity to sunlight, causing severe sunburn. Patient should be advise to stay out of the sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, and wear protective clothing.
B) Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative, and the excessive intake of vitamin A supplements can lead to hypervitaminosis A, which could be harmful.
C) The medication can cause dryness of the eyes, making it difficult to wear contact lenses.
D) Isotretinoin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which can be reduced by taking it with food or milk.
E) Women who take isotretinoin must use two forms of birth control at least one month before starting the drug, during treatment and for at least one month after stopping treatment. This is necessary to prevent fetal exposure to the medication, which can result in congenital deformities in the fetus.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Keeping hair clean with frequent shampoos and avoiding wearing a cap or hat may increase acne on the forehead are correct information to include in the teaching plan.

Question 17

A female patient comes to the clinic with an itchy, reddened area on both hands. What nursing assessment is indicated?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient if she has changed soap or perfume can help identify a possible contact dermatitis as the cause of the symptoms.

Question 18

A patient diagnosed with scabies asks the nurse how she "caught" the disorder. What information should be provided to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Scabies is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or by sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with an infected person. It is caused by a mite that burrows into the skin and lays eggs.

Question 19

A 68-year-old male patient comes into the clinic with a "strange painful rash" on the left side of his upper chest. The nurse would conduct additional assessment for which condition?

Accepted Answer

The presentation of a painful, unilateral rash on the chest is characteristic of herpes zoster, also known as shingles. Herpes simplex typically presents as clusters of small blisters on or around the mouth or genitals. Verruca plana, also known as flat warts, typically present as small, flat, flesh-colored bumps on the skin. Condylomata acuminata, also known as genital warts, typically present as flesh-colored, cauliflower-like growths on the genitals or anus.

Question 20

A patient is receiving the first ultraviolet light therapy treatment for psoriasis. What should the nurse include in this patient's teaching?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) The skin will appear red after the treatment due to the exposure to ultraviolet light.
C) Clearing of lesions may take 7 weeks or more and patients should be aware that it may take time to see improvement.
E) A photosensitizing medication may be given before the treatment to enhance the effects of the ultraviolet light therapy. 
B) and D) are not accurate statements and should not be included in the patient teaching.

Quiz 59: Caring for the Patient With Skin Disorders