ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 60 : Assessment of Integumentary Function Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with an exceptionally low body mass index has been admitted to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of hypothermia. The nurse should know that this patients susceptibility to heat loss is related to atrophy of what skin component?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Subcutaneous tissue, with its fat content, insulates against heat loss. Atrophy in patients with low BMI increases hypothermia risk. The epidermis, Merkel cells, and dermis do not primarily regulate temperature.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing gerontologic considerations relating to the care of patients with dermatologic problems. What vulnerability results from the age-related loss of subcutaneous tissue?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Loss of subcutaneous tissue reduces cushioning and insulation for underlying tissues and organs. It does not directly affect UV resistance, infection risk, or malignancy risk.
Question 3 of 5
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?
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.
Question 4 of 5
An older adult patient is diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. What would be an appropriate recommendation by the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sun exposure twice weekly promotes vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Leafy greens, multivitamins, and red meat may not adequately address a specific vitamin D deficiency.
Question 5 of 5
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?
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.