Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
An 80-year-old patient is brought to the clinic by her son. The son asks the nurse why his mother has gotten so many spots on her skin. What would be an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. As people age, they normally develop uneven pigmentation in their skin.
- B. These spots are called liver spots or age spots.
- C. Older skin is more apt to break down and tear, causing sores.
- D. These are usually the result of nutritional deficits earlier in life.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Uneven pigmentation, such as age spots, is a common age-related skin change. Naming the spots or discussing skin breakdown does not directly address the cause, and nutritional deficits are not typically responsible.
A young student is brought to the school nurse after falling off a swing. The nurse is documenting that the child has bruising on the lateral aspect of the right arm. What term will the nurse use to describe bruising on the skin in documentation?
- A. Telangiectasias
- B. Ecchymoses
- C. Purpura
- D. Urticaria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ecchymoses are bruises, characterized by larger areas of blood extravasation under the skin. Telangiectasias are dilated superficial blood vessels, purpura are pinpoint hemorrhages, and urticaria are wheals or hives.
A nurse is providing an educational presentation addressing the topic of Protecting Your Skin. When discussing the anatomy of the skin with this group, the nurse should know that what cells are responsible for producing the pigmentation of the skin?
- A. Islets of Langerhans
- B. Squamous cells
- C. T cells
- D. Melanocytes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Islets of Langerhans are pancreatic cells, squamous cells are epithelial, and T cells are immune cells.
A nurse is doing a shift assessment on a group of patients after first taking report. An elderly patient is having her second dose of IV antibiotics for a diagnosis of pneumonia. The nurse notices a new rash on the patients chest. The nurse should ask what priority question regarding the presence of a reddened rash?
- A. Is the rash worse at a particular time or season?
- B. Are you allergic to any foods or medication?
- C. Are you having any loss of sensation in that area?
- D. Is your rash painful?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A new rash during antibiotic therapy suggests a possible allergic reaction, which could be life-threatening. Assessing for allergies is the priority over timing, sensation, or pain.
A new patient presents at the clinic and the nurse performs a comprehensive health assessment. The nurse notes that the patients fingernail surfaces are pitted. The nurse should suspect the presence of what health problem?
- A. Eczema
- B. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- C. Psoriasis
- D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pitted nails are a hallmark of psoriasis. Eczema, SLE, and COPD do not typically cause nail pitting.