Nokea
A patient presents at the dermatology clinic with suspected herpes simplex. The nurse knows to prepare what diagnostic test for this condition?
- A. Skin biopsy
- B. Patch test
- C. Tzanck smear
- D. Examination with a Woods light
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Tzanck smear examines cells from blistering conditions like herpes simplex. Biopsies diagnose malignancies, patch tests identify allergens, and Woods light assesses pigmentation.
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While assessing a dark-skinned patient at the clinic, the nurse notes the presence of patchy, milky white spots. The nurse knows that this finding is characteristic of what diagnosis?
- A. Cyanosis
- B. Addisons disease
- C. Polycythemia
- D. Vitiligo
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vitiligo is characterized by patchy, milky white spots due to the destruction of melanocytes. Cyanosis causes dusky nail beds, Addisons disease results in a bronzed appearance, and polycythemia causes a ruddy blue coloration.
The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a patient who has a raised, pruritic rash. The patient denies taking any prescription medication and denies any allergies. What would be an appropriate question to ask this patient at this time?
- A. Is anyone in your family allergic to anything?
- B. How long have you had this abrasion?
- C. Do you take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal preparations?
- D. What do you do for a living?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about over-the-counter drugs or herbal preparations can identify potential causes of a rash. Family allergy history, occupation, or mislabeling the rash as an abrasion are less immediately relevant.
A patient with a suspected malignant melanoma is referred to the dermatology clinic. The nurse knows to facilitate what diagnostic test to rule out a skin malignancy?
- A. Tzanck smear
- B. Skin biopsy
- C. Patch testing
- D. Skin scrapings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A skin biopsy is used to diagnose or rule out skin malignancies like melanoma. Tzanck smears diagnose blistering conditions, patch testing identifies allergens, and skin scrapings detect fungal infections.
A patient is suspected of developing an allergy to an environmental substance and has been given a patch test. During the test, the patient develops fine blisters, papules, and severe itching. The nurse knows that this is indicative of what strength reaction?
- A. Weak positive
- B. Moderately positive
- C. Strong positive
- D. Severely positive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fine blisters, papules, and severe itching indicate a moderately positive patch test reaction. Weak positive shows redness and itching, while strong positive includes blisters and ulceration.
A wound care nurse is reviewing skin anatomy with a group of medical nurses. Which area of the skin would the nurse identify as providing a cushion between the skin layers, muscles, and bones?
- A. Dermis
- B. Subcutaneous tissue
- C. Epidermis
- D. Stratum corneum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis) cushions between skin layers, muscles, and bones. The dermis provides strength, the epidermis is the outer layer, and the stratum corneum is the outermost epidermal layer.