A patient has been using a corticosteroid ointment for several weeks on an inflamed skin region. The nurse should be aware that prolonged use of this medication may result in:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thinning and atrophy of the skin. Prolonged use of corticosteroid ointment can lead to skin thinning and atrophy due to its ability to inhibit collagen synthesis and promote breakdown of skin proteins. This can result in fragile, easily bruised skin. Desensitization and nerve damage (Choice A) are not common side effects of corticosteroid ointment. Formation of petechiae (Choice B) is not typically associated with corticosteroid use. Avascularization of the affected skin (Choice C) is not a known consequence of prolonged corticosteroid use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because administering PCA allows the client to self-administer pain medication within predetermined safety limits, promoting autonomy and timely pain relief. Choice B is incorrect as the amount of medication is preset by healthcare providers to prevent overdose. Choice C is incorrect as PCA involves controlled, consistent dosages. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse still monitors the client's pain levels and response to medication despite self-administration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the indirect immunofluorescence test. This test is used to detect autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus by analyzing blood samples for specific autoantibodies. It helps identify antibodies that target the body's tissues, a hallmark of lupus. A, the patch test, is used to evaluate allergic dermatitis and photoallergic reactions, not for diagnosing lupus. B, the photo patch test, is specific for identifying allergic reactions to light exposure, not lupus. C, the direct immunofluorescence test is more commonly used to diagnose skin conditions like pemphigus vulgaris, not systemic lupus erythematosus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Brain. The brain is located in the cranial cavity, which is the part of the skull that houses the brain. It is protected by the skull bones and plays a central role in controlling various bodily functions. The thymus (A) is located in the chest, the liver (B) is located in the abdominal cavity, and the parathyroid gland (D) is located in the neck. Therefore, the brain is the only organ among the options that is situated in the cranial cavity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, providing protection and waterproofing. The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The hypodermis is not a main layer of the skin but rather a subcutaneous layer of fat beneath the dermis. Dermis and hypodermis do not make up the two main layers of the skin. Therefore, option A is correct as it accurately identifies the two main layers of the skin.