Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment 9th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

A young man comes to you with an extremely pruritic rash over his knees and elbows which has come and gone for several years. It seems to be worse in the winter and improves with some sun exposure. On examination, you notice scabbing and crusting with some silvery scale, and you are observant enough to notice small "pits" in his nails. What would account for these findings?

  • A. Eczema
  • B. Pityriasis rosea
  • C. Psoriasis
  • D. Tinea infection
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Psoriasis. The key clinical features described, such as pruritic rash with scabbing, crusting, silvery scale, and nail pitting, are classic signs of psoriasis. The presence of small "pits" in the nails, known as nail pitting, is a common finding in psoriasis. The worsening of symptoms in winter and improvement with sun exposure is also typical of psoriasis. Eczema (choice A) typically presents with red, inflamed, and weeping skin lesions. Pityriasis rosea (choice B) presents with a herald patch followed by smaller similar lesions. Tinea infection (choice D) presents with scaling, redness, and itching but does not typically cause nail pitting. In this case, the combination of symptoms and nail pitting point to psoriasis as the most likely diagnosis.