ATI LPN
Questions on the Integumentary System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has sustained circumferential burns of both legs. Which assessment would be the priority in caring for this client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: assessing peripheral pulses. In circumferential burns of both legs, there is a risk of compartment syndrome due to swelling and restricted blood flow. Assessing peripheral pulses helps determine if there is adequate circulation to the extremities, which is crucial for preventing tissue damage and ensuring limb viability. It is the priority because impaired circulation can lead to serious complications like tissue necrosis. Assessing neurological status (B) is important but assessing circulation takes precedence. Assessing urine output (C) and blood pressure (D) are essential but not as immediate in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic test for evaluating suspected skin malignancies like malignant melanoma. It involves removing a small piece of skin tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. This test provides definitive results to confirm or rule out skin malignancies. Choice A: Tzanck smear is used to diagnose herpes infections, not skin malignancies. Choice C: Patch testing is used to identify allergic contact dermatitis, not skin malignancies. Choice D: Skin scrapings are used to diagnose fungal infections, not skin malignancies.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has sought care because of the recent development of new skin lesions. The nurse should interpret these lesions as most likely suggestive of what?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A reduction in the patient's CD4 count. Skin lesions in HIV patients are often indicative of immunosuppression due to a decrease in CD4 cells, which are crucial for the immune system. As HIV progresses, CD4 count decreases, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and skin manifestations. Option B is incorrect because skin lesions are not directly related to viral load. Option C is incorrect as antiretroviral therapy typically improves skin conditions. Option D is incorrect as skin lesions in HIV are not typically related to changes in allergy status.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a chemical burn injury. The priority nursing intervention is to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: remove the patient's clothes and flush the area with water. This is the priority intervention because it helps to stop the burning process by removing the source of the chemical and diluting it with water. Flushing the area with water helps to prevent further damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Removing the patient's clothes is important to prevent further exposure to the chemical. Choice B (apply saline compresses) is not the priority because simply applying compresses does not address the need to remove the source of the chemical and dilute it. Choice C (contact a poison control center) is not the priority as immediate action is needed to stop the burning process. Choice D (remove all jewelry) is important but not the priority compared to removing the patient's clothes and flushing the area with water.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assisting a patient who has a suspected diagnosis of tinea capitis (ringworm). For which diagnostic test should the nurse prepare the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Wood's light examination. This test uses a special ultraviolet light to detect fungal infections like tinea capitis, which causes certain fungal species to fluoresce. The other choices are not appropriate for diagnosing tinea capitis. Patch test (A) is used to identify allergic contact dermatitis, scratch test (B) is used to identify immediate allergic reactions, and skin biopsy (C) is used to diagnose skin conditions like skin cancer or autoimmune diseases, not tinea capitis. Therefore, Wood's light examination is the most suitable test for diagnosing tinea capitis.