ATI LPN
Questions on the Integumentary System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse differentiates the various types of dermatitis. Which characteristic best describes contact dermatitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cell-mediated immunity resulting in inflammatory response. Contact dermatitis is a type of dermatitis that occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to an inflammatory response mediated by T cells. This response causes redness, swelling, and itching at the site of contact. Choice B is incorrect because erythema and pruritus with scaling associated with phlebitis do not specifically describe contact dermatitis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes seborrheic dermatitis, not contact dermatitis. Choice D is incorrect because mast cell-stimulated release of histamine is more characteristic of allergic reactions like urticaria, not contact dermatitis.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A patient has a circular, flat, reddened lesion about 5 cm in diameter on his ankle. To determine whether the lesion is related to blood vessel dilation, the nurse will
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: press firmly on the lesion. By pressing firmly on the lesion, the nurse can assess if the redness blanches, indicating that it is related to blood vessel dilation. Palpating pulses (choice A) would not provide information on blood vessel dilation. Checking skin temperature (choice B) may not directly indicate blood vessel dilation. Elevating the leg (choice C) may help with circulation but does not directly assess blood vessel dilation. Pressing on the lesion (choice D) is the best choice as it can help determine if the redness is due to blood vessel dilation.
Question 4 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 5 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.