Question 1

A 35-year-old female patient is diagnosed with malignant melanoma. The nurse considers which information when planning care for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be deadly if not detected and treated early. The prognosis for a patient with malignant melanoma is uncertain, and depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the location and depth of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. Surgery is usually the first treatment option for malignant melanoma, but additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary. Age alone is not a determinant of prognosis for this type of cancer.

Question 2

Inspection of a patient's skin reveals the presence of an irregularly shaped brown patch covered with hair. The patch is palm-sized and is located on the patient's shoulder. The nurse anticipates which diagnosis of this finding?

Accepted Answer

The presence of an irregularly shaped brown patch covered with hair, especially on the shoulder, suggests Becker's nevus. Other types of nevi, such as intradermal, halo, and junctional nevi, do not typically have hair growing from them. Additionally, Becker's nevus is commonly found on the shoulder and has irregular edges, while halo nevi have a distinctive ring-like appearance and junctional nevi are flat and located within the skin's surface.

Question 3

A 55-year-old patient who is recovering from a face-lift performed 2 days ago says, "I think this was a waste of time and money. I look horrible!" How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should provide reassurance that the patient's appearance will improve over time as the skin heals.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Eating foods rich in protein and calories can help in the healing process and maintenance of skin integrity, which is crucial for a patient with melanoma and potential or existing impaired skin integrity. Protein is essential for tissue repair and growth, while calories are needed for energy.

Question 5

The nurse is concerned that a patient may be developing necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Which assessment findings would the nurse evaluate as increasing the patient's risk for this condition?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is concerned that a patient...

Question 6

A 3-year-old is diagnosed with impetigo. Which instructions should the nurse provide this child's caregiver?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection. Softening the crusts with warm tap water and using a gentle antibacterial soap can help in managing the condition by keeping the area clean. It is also important to prevent the spread of infection to other family members by not sharing towels or other personal items. Intravenous antibiotics are not typically required for impetigo, as it is usually treated with topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics in more severe cases. Emollient lotions are not specifically recommended for impetigo treatment; the focus is on keeping the area clean and using prescribed medications.

Question 7

A 40-year-old male patient says, "I wish I could have all of these tattoos removed." The nurse would provide information about which method of tattoo removal?

Accepted Answer

Dermabrasion is a method of tattoo removal that involves "sanding" the top layer of skin off to remove the tattoo. It is a common and effective method of tattoo removal. Rhytidectomy, skin graft, and blepharoplasty are all surgical procedures that are not used for tattoo removal.

Question 8

A patient sustained an injury to the arm 2 days ago. The patient presents today concerned that the wound is not healing. Which findings would the nurse immediately communicate to the health care provider?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These findings suggest possible complications such as infection or necrotizing fasciitis, which require immediate medical attention.

Question 9

The parent of a newborn is concerned because the baby has a quarter-sized, raised, and reddened hemangioma on the lower abdomen. What information should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

Hemangiomas are common and typically benign growths that often occur in newborns. They are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. Most hemangiomas occur on the face, scalp, chest, or back; however, they can occur anywhere on the body. In many cases, hemangiomas will go away on their own without treatment by the time the child is 5-10 years old. Therefore, the nurse should reassure the parent that the lesion will most likely resolve on its own.

Question 10

A child has been admitted for treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). The nurse assuming care for this patient would expect which assessment findings?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A child has been admitted for treatment...

Question 11

A patient has been diagnosed with cellulitis from an insect bite on the hand. In addition to taking the prescribed antibiotic, the nurse would recommend which treatments?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Elevating the hand helps reduce swelling. Soaking in Burrow's solution can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Protecting blisters prevents further infection.

Question 12

A veterinarian comes to the urgent care clinic and says, "I think I was bitten on the hand by something earlier in the week and the area isn't healing." Assessment reveals a painless lesion with a black center. Axillary lymph nodes are enlarged. The nurse suspects cutaneous anthrax. Which actions are indicated?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A veterinarian comes to the urgent care...

Question 13

A child has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. How should the nurse describe the disorder to the parents?. Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that often runs in families. It cannot be cured with a course of antibiotics and children may or may not outgrow the disorder. The cause is not fully understood, but environmental triggers such as harsh soaps or detergents, allergens, and stress can exacerbate the condition.

Question 14

A patient has an infection in a piercing of the upper ear cartilage. Which information should the nurse provide?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage infections, especially in the ear, can be particularly troublesome due to the limited blood supply to the area, which can impede healing and lead to complications such as changes to the shape of the ear or cartilage destruction if not properly treated.

Quiz 59: Caring for the Patient With Skin Disorders