Exam 9: Skin, Hair, and Nails

A nurse notices several reddish purple, nonblanchable spots of different sizes on the arms and legs of a patient with a low platelet count. How does the nurse distinguish ecchymosis from purpura?

A patient complains of itching on her feet. On inspection the nurse observes weeping vesicles and skin that is softened and broken down between the toes. What explanation does the nurse give the patient about the cause of this skin disorder?

While inspecting the skin, a nurse notices a lesion on the patient's upper right arm. What is the best way to document the size of this lesion?

A nurse notices that the angle of the patient's proximal nail fold and the nail plate are almost a flat line; about 160 degrees. How does the nurse interpret this finding?

A nurse notices multiple lesions on the back of a patient's left hand that are 0.5 cm in width, elevated, circumscribed, and filled with serous fluid. How does the nurse document these lesions?

A patient has come to the clinic complaining of a "bump" behind his right ear. Upon inspection, the nurse notes a lesion that is elevated, solid, and 4 cm in diameter. What does the nurse call this lesion when she reports her findings to the health care provider?

A nurse is inspecting the skin of a patient who has had skin problems after multiple piercings. How will the nurse recognize the characteristics of keloids?

A nurse notes that a 2-year-old child has multiple bruises over his body at different stages of healing. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse at this time?

When performing a skin assessment of an adult patient, the nurse expects what finding?

While giving a history, a patient reports itching arms, legs, and chest after using a new soap. What manifestations does the nurse expect to find on the arms, legs, and chest when inspecting this patient's skin?

Which questions are appropriate to ask a patient when performing a symptom analysis for a rash? (Select all that apply.)

How does the nurse recognize jaundice in a dark-skinned patient?

During shift report, a nurse learns that a patient has a macular rash. As the nurse inspects the patient's skin, what finding will confirm the rash?

When the patient's chart includes a notation that petechiae are present, what finding does a nurse expect during inspection?

What findings does the nurse expect when assessing skin, hair, and nails of a healthy male adult? (Select all that apply.)

A patient is visiting an urgent care center after being hit in the back with a baseball. Upon examination, the nurse notes a flat, nonblanchable spot 2.25 cm wide that is reddish-purple in color. How does the nurse document this lesion?

A nurse notices multiple lesions on a patient's left hand that are 0.5 cm in width, elevated, circumscribed, and filled with serous fluid. What kind of primary lesions are these?

A patient reports the mole on the scalp has started itching and it bleeds when scratching it. What other finding is a danger sign for pigmented skin lesions?

What signs of cyanosis does a nurse inspect for in a dark-skinned patient?

A nurse assessing a patient with liver disease expects to find which manifestation during the examination?