Elaborated Solutions| Updated
2026/2027
A nurse is planning care for a client who has stage 1 pressure injury on their
coccyx. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?
A) Limit elevation of the head of the bed to 30º or less.
B) Apply baby powder and massage the area every 2 hr.
C) Reposition the client every 4 hr.
D) Ensure that the client uses a donut-shaped cushion when sitting in a chair. -
ANSWER -Limit elevation of the head of the bed to 30º or less
-Raising the head of the bed more than 30º increases the risk for skin damage due
to shearing forces. Shearing occurs when the client slides downward in the bed.
The outer layer of skin sticks to the bed linens while the deeper skin layers move
downward. This results in twisting of blood vessels and can lead to skin damage.
A nurse is examining a lesion on a client's back. Which of the following
characteristics should the nurse identify as a possible indication of a malignant skin
lesion?
A) Smooth, defined border
B) Uniform color
C) greater than 6mm in diameter
D) Symmetrical appearance - ANSWER -greater than 6mm in diameter
-Lesions that are greater than 6 mm, or the size of a pencil eraser, in diameter
should be recognized as possible malignant skin lesions and reported to the
provider.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who reports extremely dry skin. Which of
the following interventions should the nurse recommend?
A) Increase the frequency of bathing
B) Use a dehumidifier to reduce air moisture.
C) Apply an alcohol-free lotion.
D) Cover the dry areas with a thin coating of powder. - ANSWER -apply alcohol-
free lotion
, -The nurse should recommend an alcohol-free lotion that creates a film on the skin
to decrease moisture evaporation and dryness. Lanolin, cocoa butter, and
petroleum-based lotions are products that retain skin moisture.
A nurse is assessing a client's skin color. Which of the following findings should
the nurse report to the provider? (select all that apply.)
A) Patches of increased pigmentation on the client's cheeks
B) Pinpoint areas of purplish-red coloration across the abdomen
C) Pale-colored nail beds
D) Dark pigmented area across the client's sacral area
E) Light-colored jagged lines - ANSWER -B, C
-Patches of increased pigmentation on the client's cheeks is incorrect. Areas of
increased pigmentation on the face commonly appear during pregnancy or in
clients who are taking oral contraceptives. This is an expected variation.
Pinpoint areas of purplish-red coloration across the abdomen is correct. Areas of
purplish-red discoloration that are smaller than 3 mm in diameter are termed
petechia. This is an unexpected finding. Petechia can indicate a bleeding disorder
and should be reported to the provider.
Pale-colored nailbeds is correct. Pale nailbeds is an unexpected finding. This can
be an indication of low oxygen levels and should be reported to the provider.
Darkly pigmented area across the client's sacral area is incorrect. Areas of darker
pigmentation across the sacrum or buttocks is common in clients who have darker
skin tones. These are known as Mongolian spots and are an expected variation.
Light-colored jagged lines is incorrect. Silver-white jagged lines are atrophic scars
that result from stretching of the skin, usually from pregnancy or weight gain. This
is an expected variation.
A nurse is examining the texture of an older adult client's skin. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A) Thin skin
B) Brown macules on the back of the hands
C) Silver-white depressed scars on the abdomen
D) Velvety skin - ANSWER -velvety skin
-Skin that feels smoother and softer than expected, similar to velvet, is associated
with thyroid disorders. This is an unexpected finding that should be reported to the
provider.