NSG 3280 Exam 2 Questions and Correct Detailed Answers with Complete
Solutions | Graded A+ | New Update
Question 1
A patient presents with well-demarcated, erythematous plaques covered with silvery scales on
the elbows and knees. This clinical presentation is most characteristic of which chronic skin
condition?
A) Atopic dermatitis
B) Seborrheic dermatitis
C) Psoriasis
D) Scleroderma
E) Contact dermatitis
Correct Answer: C) Psoriasis
Rationale: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder
characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells. This results in the hallmark clinical
manifestation of thick, red lesions covered with silvery scales (plaques). These lesions are
most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Question 2
What is the primary underlying cause of the clinical condition known as acne vulgaris?
A) Inflammation of the eccrine glands
B) Inflammation of the sebaceous glands
C) Bacterial infection of the stratum corneum
D) Atrophy of the dermal layer
E) Hypoactivity of the hair follicles
Correct Answer: B) inflammation of the sebaceous glands
Rationale: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. It
involves the overproduction of oil (sebum), follicular hyperkeratosis, and the influence of
Propionibacterium acnes, leading to the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and the
formation of comedones, papules, and pustules.
Question 3
A patient complains of itchy, red, and oily skin on the scalp and nasolabial folds. The nurse notes
an oily discharge and scaling in these areas. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A) Psoriasis
B) Atopic dermatitis
C) Sebborheic Dermatitis
D) Contact dermatitis
E) Scabies
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Sebborheic Dermatitis
Rationale: Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas
with a high concentration of sebaceous glands (high oil concentration). It is clinically
characterized by scaling and erythema accompanied by an oily discharge, often referred to
as "cradle cap" in infants or dandruff in adults.
Question 4
Which inflammatory skin disorder is primarily associated with a genetic defect in the epidermal
barrier protein filaggrin?
A) Psoriasis
B) Atopic dermatitis
C) Contact dermatitis
D) Seborrheic dermatitis
E) Scleroderma
Correct Answer: B) atopic dermatitis
Rationale: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is characterized by a genetic defect in the protein
filaggrin, which is essential for maintaining the epidermal barrier. This defect leads to
excessive inflammation, dry skin, redness, and intense itching, as the skin becomes more
susceptible to environmental irritants and allergens.
Question 5
A patient presents with a localized rash after using a new brand of laundry detergent. This
inflammation of the skin caused by external chemical substances is known as:
A) Atopic dermatitis
B) Psoriasis
C) Contact dermatitis
D) Scabies
E) Scleroderma
Correct Answer: C) contact dermatitis
Rationale: Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by direct
exposure to specific chemicals or substances (irritants or allergens). Unlike atopic
dermatitis, which is endogenous/genetic, contact dermatitis is an exogenous reaction to
environmental triggers like detergents, metals, or cosmetics.
Question 6
Which parasitic skin disease is characterized by the presence of small, linear "burrows" created
by the itch mite?
A) Impetigo
B) Scabies
C) Tinea corporis
, 3
D) Pediculosis
E) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Correct Answer: B) Scabies
Rationale: Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The
hallmark sign is the "burrow," a small, thread-like track where the female mite tunnels
under the stratum corneum to lay eggs, causing intense nocturnal itching.
Question 7
A 70-year-old patient notes the development of small, round, bright red tumors on the trunk.
These benign blood vessel tumors are commonly known as:
A) Kaposi's sarcoma
B) Cherry angioma
C) Warts
D) Purpura
E) Psoriatic plaques
Correct Answer: B) cherry angioma
Rationale: Cherry angiomas are small, bright red, vascular tumors composed of dilated
capillaries. They are common, benign findings that increase in frequency as people age,
typically appearing on the trunk of elderly individuals.
Question 8
Which physiological change occurs during puberty that predisposes adolescents to the
development of acne?
A) Sebaceous glands become hypoactive
B) Sebaceous glands become hyperactive
C) The stratum corneum thins
D) Elastin production increases
E) Collagen fibers harden
Correct Answer: B) hyperactive
Rationale: During puberty, an increase in androgen hormones causes the sebaceous glands
to become hyperactive. This excess sebum production is a primary factor in the
development of acne vulgaris, as it blocks pores and provides a growth medium for
bacteria.
Question 9
In the context of age-related skin changes, what is considered the single greatest factor in
accelerating these changes?
A) Genetics
B) Poor nutrition
, 4
C) Exposure to sunlight
D) Lack of hydration
E) Bacterial colonization
Correct Answer: C) exposure to sunlight
Rationale: While aging is a natural biological process, photoaging caused by chronic
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is the greatest external factor in age-
related skin damage, leading to wrinkles, pigment changes, and loss of elasticity.
Question 10
As the epidermis thins with age, what happens to the arrangement of the "prickle cells"
(keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum)?
A) They become more orderly and dense
B) They multiply rapidly
C) They become less orderly
D) They convert into sebaceous cells
E) They disappear entirely
Correct Answer: C) less orderly
Rationale: Age-related thinning of the epidermis is accompanied by a histological change
where the prickle cells (keratinocytes) show a less orderly arrangement. This contributes to
the increased fragility and decreased barrier function of elderly skin.
Question 11
The dermis becomes less elastic with age. This loss of elasticity is primarily due to a change in
the ratios of which two proteins?
A) Keratin and Filaggrin
B) Elastin and Collagen
C) Melanin and Hemoglobin
D) Fibrin and Thrombin
E) Albumin and Globulin
Correct Answer: B) elastin and collagen ratios
Rationale: The structural integrity and elasticity of the dermis depend on the presence of
collagen and elastin. As people age, collagen fibers become tougher and elastin fibers
decrease, leading to skin that is less elastic, more prone to sagging, and slower to recoil.
Question 12
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is primarily classified as which of the following?
A) An infectious disease
B) A vitamin deficiency
C) An inherited trait
Solutions | Graded A+ | New Update
Question 1
A patient presents with well-demarcated, erythematous plaques covered with silvery scales on
the elbows and knees. This clinical presentation is most characteristic of which chronic skin
condition?
A) Atopic dermatitis
B) Seborrheic dermatitis
C) Psoriasis
D) Scleroderma
E) Contact dermatitis
Correct Answer: C) Psoriasis
Rationale: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder
characterized by the rapid overproduction of skin cells. This results in the hallmark clinical
manifestation of thick, red lesions covered with silvery scales (plaques). These lesions are
most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Question 2
What is the primary underlying cause of the clinical condition known as acne vulgaris?
A) Inflammation of the eccrine glands
B) Inflammation of the sebaceous glands
C) Bacterial infection of the stratum corneum
D) Atrophy of the dermal layer
E) Hypoactivity of the hair follicles
Correct Answer: B) inflammation of the sebaceous glands
Rationale: Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. It
involves the overproduction of oil (sebum), follicular hyperkeratosis, and the influence of
Propionibacterium acnes, leading to the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and the
formation of comedones, papules, and pustules.
Question 3
A patient complains of itchy, red, and oily skin on the scalp and nasolabial folds. The nurse notes
an oily discharge and scaling in these areas. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A) Psoriasis
B) Atopic dermatitis
C) Sebborheic Dermatitis
D) Contact dermatitis
E) Scabies
, 2
Correct Answer: C) Sebborheic Dermatitis
Rationale: Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas
with a high concentration of sebaceous glands (high oil concentration). It is clinically
characterized by scaling and erythema accompanied by an oily discharge, often referred to
as "cradle cap" in infants or dandruff in adults.
Question 4
Which inflammatory skin disorder is primarily associated with a genetic defect in the epidermal
barrier protein filaggrin?
A) Psoriasis
B) Atopic dermatitis
C) Contact dermatitis
D) Seborrheic dermatitis
E) Scleroderma
Correct Answer: B) atopic dermatitis
Rationale: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is characterized by a genetic defect in the protein
filaggrin, which is essential for maintaining the epidermal barrier. This defect leads to
excessive inflammation, dry skin, redness, and intense itching, as the skin becomes more
susceptible to environmental irritants and allergens.
Question 5
A patient presents with a localized rash after using a new brand of laundry detergent. This
inflammation of the skin caused by external chemical substances is known as:
A) Atopic dermatitis
B) Psoriasis
C) Contact dermatitis
D) Scabies
E) Scleroderma
Correct Answer: C) contact dermatitis
Rationale: Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by direct
exposure to specific chemicals or substances (irritants or allergens). Unlike atopic
dermatitis, which is endogenous/genetic, contact dermatitis is an exogenous reaction to
environmental triggers like detergents, metals, or cosmetics.
Question 6
Which parasitic skin disease is characterized by the presence of small, linear "burrows" created
by the itch mite?
A) Impetigo
B) Scabies
C) Tinea corporis
, 3
D) Pediculosis
E) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Correct Answer: B) Scabies
Rationale: Scabies is a contagious skin infection caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The
hallmark sign is the "burrow," a small, thread-like track where the female mite tunnels
under the stratum corneum to lay eggs, causing intense nocturnal itching.
Question 7
A 70-year-old patient notes the development of small, round, bright red tumors on the trunk.
These benign blood vessel tumors are commonly known as:
A) Kaposi's sarcoma
B) Cherry angioma
C) Warts
D) Purpura
E) Psoriatic plaques
Correct Answer: B) cherry angioma
Rationale: Cherry angiomas are small, bright red, vascular tumors composed of dilated
capillaries. They are common, benign findings that increase in frequency as people age,
typically appearing on the trunk of elderly individuals.
Question 8
Which physiological change occurs during puberty that predisposes adolescents to the
development of acne?
A) Sebaceous glands become hypoactive
B) Sebaceous glands become hyperactive
C) The stratum corneum thins
D) Elastin production increases
E) Collagen fibers harden
Correct Answer: B) hyperactive
Rationale: During puberty, an increase in androgen hormones causes the sebaceous glands
to become hyperactive. This excess sebum production is a primary factor in the
development of acne vulgaris, as it blocks pores and provides a growth medium for
bacteria.
Question 9
In the context of age-related skin changes, what is considered the single greatest factor in
accelerating these changes?
A) Genetics
B) Poor nutrition
, 4
C) Exposure to sunlight
D) Lack of hydration
E) Bacterial colonization
Correct Answer: C) exposure to sunlight
Rationale: While aging is a natural biological process, photoaging caused by chronic
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight is the greatest external factor in age-
related skin damage, leading to wrinkles, pigment changes, and loss of elasticity.
Question 10
As the epidermis thins with age, what happens to the arrangement of the "prickle cells"
(keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum)?
A) They become more orderly and dense
B) They multiply rapidly
C) They become less orderly
D) They convert into sebaceous cells
E) They disappear entirely
Correct Answer: C) less orderly
Rationale: Age-related thinning of the epidermis is accompanied by a histological change
where the prickle cells (keratinocytes) show a less orderly arrangement. This contributes to
the increased fragility and decreased barrier function of elderly skin.
Question 11
The dermis becomes less elastic with age. This loss of elasticity is primarily due to a change in
the ratios of which two proteins?
A) Keratin and Filaggrin
B) Elastin and Collagen
C) Melanin and Hemoglobin
D) Fibrin and Thrombin
E) Albumin and Globulin
Correct Answer: B) elastin and collagen ratios
Rationale: The structural integrity and elasticity of the dermis depend on the presence of
collagen and elastin. As people age, collagen fibers become tougher and elastin fibers
decrease, leading to skin that is less elastic, more prone to sagging, and slower to recoil.
Question 12
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is primarily classified as which of the following?
A) An infectious disease
B) A vitamin deficiency
C) An inherited trait
