,NSG3250/NSG 3250 Exam 2 | Adult Health
I | Galen College | 26/27 Updated (PDF)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin lesion using the ABCDE rule. Which finding is most concerning
for malignant melanoma?
A) Symmetrical shape with a regular border
B) Border irregularity and color variation within the lesion
C) Diameter of 4 mm that has remained stable for years
D) A uniform brown color with well-defined edges
Correct Answer: Border irregularity and color variation within the lesion
Rationale: The ABCDE mnemonic for melanoma risk includes Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color
variation, Diameter >6 mm, and Evolving features. Border irregularity (notched or ragged edges) and
color variation (multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue) are highly suspicious findings.
Symmetrical shape, uniform color, and stable size are characteristics of benign lesions.
2. A patient with psoriasis is at risk for which of the following complications?
A) Skin cancer
B) Cellulitis
C) Alopecia areata
D) Psoriatic arthritis
Correct Answer: Psoriatic arthritis
Rationale: Up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, characterized by joint
pain, stiffness, and swelling. The nurse should routinely assess for joint involvement in patients with
psoriasis. Skin cancer, cellulitis, and alopecia areata are not the primary complications associated with
this condition.
,3. A patient is prescribed a topical combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin for acne
vulgaris. What is the primary rationale for this combination therapy?
A) Benzoyl peroxide moisturizes the skin while erythromycin reduces inflammation
B) Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties while erythromycin reduces
inflammation and bacterial growth
C) Both agents work by suppressing the immune system to reduce acne lesions
D) The combination prevents the development of antibiotic resistance more effectively than either
agent alone
Correct Answer: Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties while erythromycin
reduces inflammation and bacterial growth
Rationale: Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties, helping to unclog pores and
reduce Propionibacterium acnes. Erythromycin reduces inflammation and bacterial growth. This
combination is effective for mild to moderate acne. The other options describe incorrect mechanisms
of action.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient with cellulitis of the lower leg. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A) Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
B) Elevate the affected leg above the heart
C) Massage the area to promote circulation
D) Keep the leg in a dependent position
Correct Answer: Elevate the affected leg above the heart
Rationale: Elevation of the affected extremity above the heart reduces edema and promotes venous
return, which helps decrease swelling and pain associated with cellulitis. Cold compresses may be
used for comfort but do not address the underlying infection, and massage can spread the infection.
5. A patient presents with a skin infection characterized by inflammation and swelling of the skin and
subcutaneous tissue. Which condition is most consistent with these findings?
A) Cellulitis
, B) Impetigo
C) Psoriasis
D) Tinea corporis
Correct Answer: Cellulitis
Rationale: Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, characterized
by inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Impetigo presents with honey-colored crusted
lesions, psoriasis with silvery plaques, and tinea corporis (ringworm) with annular, scaly lesions.
6. Which function of the skin is primarily responsible for vitamin D synthesis?
A) Protection against pathogens
B) Temperature regulation
C) Exposure to sunlight converts precursors to vitamin D
D) Sensory perception of heat and pain
Correct Answer: Exposure to sunlight converts precursors to vitamin D
Rationale: The skin synthesizes vitamin D when ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight converts 7-
dehydrocholesterol into previtamin D3. This process is essential for calcium absorption and bone
health. Protection, temperature regulation, and sensation are other important functions but are not
related to vitamin D production.
7. A nurse is assessing a patient's nails and notes clubbing. This finding is most commonly associated
with which condition?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Psoriasis
C) Chronic hypoxia
D) Fungal infection
Correct Answer: Chronic hypoxia
I | Galen College | 26/27 Updated (PDF)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin lesion using the ABCDE rule. Which finding is most concerning
for malignant melanoma?
A) Symmetrical shape with a regular border
B) Border irregularity and color variation within the lesion
C) Diameter of 4 mm that has remained stable for years
D) A uniform brown color with well-defined edges
Correct Answer: Border irregularity and color variation within the lesion
Rationale: The ABCDE mnemonic for melanoma risk includes Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color
variation, Diameter >6 mm, and Evolving features. Border irregularity (notched or ragged edges) and
color variation (multiple shades of brown, black, red, or blue) are highly suspicious findings.
Symmetrical shape, uniform color, and stable size are characteristics of benign lesions.
2. A patient with psoriasis is at risk for which of the following complications?
A) Skin cancer
B) Cellulitis
C) Alopecia areata
D) Psoriatic arthritis
Correct Answer: Psoriatic arthritis
Rationale: Up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, characterized by joint
pain, stiffness, and swelling. The nurse should routinely assess for joint involvement in patients with
psoriasis. Skin cancer, cellulitis, and alopecia areata are not the primary complications associated with
this condition.
,3. A patient is prescribed a topical combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin for acne
vulgaris. What is the primary rationale for this combination therapy?
A) Benzoyl peroxide moisturizes the skin while erythromycin reduces inflammation
B) Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties while erythromycin reduces
inflammation and bacterial growth
C) Both agents work by suppressing the immune system to reduce acne lesions
D) The combination prevents the development of antibiotic resistance more effectively than either
agent alone
Correct Answer: Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties while erythromycin
reduces inflammation and bacterial growth
Rationale: Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and comedolytic properties, helping to unclog pores and
reduce Propionibacterium acnes. Erythromycin reduces inflammation and bacterial growth. This
combination is effective for mild to moderate acne. The other options describe incorrect mechanisms
of action.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient with cellulitis of the lower leg. Which intervention is most
appropriate?
A) Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
B) Elevate the affected leg above the heart
C) Massage the area to promote circulation
D) Keep the leg in a dependent position
Correct Answer: Elevate the affected leg above the heart
Rationale: Elevation of the affected extremity above the heart reduces edema and promotes venous
return, which helps decrease swelling and pain associated with cellulitis. Cold compresses may be
used for comfort but do not address the underlying infection, and massage can spread the infection.
5. A patient presents with a skin infection characterized by inflammation and swelling of the skin and
subcutaneous tissue. Which condition is most consistent with these findings?
A) Cellulitis
, B) Impetigo
C) Psoriasis
D) Tinea corporis
Correct Answer: Cellulitis
Rationale: Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, characterized
by inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Impetigo presents with honey-colored crusted
lesions, psoriasis with silvery plaques, and tinea corporis (ringworm) with annular, scaly lesions.
6. Which function of the skin is primarily responsible for vitamin D synthesis?
A) Protection against pathogens
B) Temperature regulation
C) Exposure to sunlight converts precursors to vitamin D
D) Sensory perception of heat and pain
Correct Answer: Exposure to sunlight converts precursors to vitamin D
Rationale: The skin synthesizes vitamin D when ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight converts 7-
dehydrocholesterol into previtamin D3. This process is essential for calcium absorption and bone
health. Protection, temperature regulation, and sensation are other important functions but are not
related to vitamin D production.
7. A nurse is assessing a patient's nails and notes clubbing. This finding is most commonly associated
with which condition?
A) Iron deficiency anemia
B) Psoriasis
C) Chronic hypoxia
D) Fungal infection
Correct Answer: Chronic hypoxia
