,NU 518 Advanced Nursing Assessment Exam 3
Study Guide University of South Alabama
Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs 2026/2027
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with a flat, non-palpable, circumscribed lesion on the forearm
that is 0.5 cm in diameter and light brown in color. How should the nurse practitioner document
this finding?
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Patch
D. Plaque
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A macule is a flat, non-palpable lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. A patch is a
flat lesion larger than 1 cm. A papule is a raised, palpable lesion less than 1 cm. A plaque is a
raised, palpable lesion larger than 1 cm.
2. A patient presents with a raised, palpable lesion on the back that is 2 cm in diameter and has
a rough, scaly surface. This lesion should be documented as a:
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Plaque
,D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A plaque is a raised, palpable lesion larger than 1 cm. A papule is raised and less than
1 cm. A macule is flat. A vesicle is a fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm.
3. A patient reports a new lesion on the lip that is raised, filled with clear fluid, and
approximately 0.3 cm in diameter. This is best described as a:
A. Bulla
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Nodule
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A vesicle is a raised, fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm in diameter. A bulla is a fluid-
filled lesion larger than 1 cm. A pustule contains pus. A nodule is a solid, raised lesion larger
than 1 cm.
4. A nurse practitioner is assessing a patient with jaundice. Which pigment is responsible for the
yellow discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes?
, A. Melanin
B. Carotene
C. Bilirubin
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Jaundice results from increased bilirubin, a yellow-brown pigment that arises from
the breakdown of heme in red blood cells. Carotene is a yellow pigment found in subcutaneous
fat and keratinized areas. Melanin is a brownish pigment that determines skin color.
5. A patient with anemia would most likely present with which skin color change?
A. Cyanosis
B. Pallor
C. Jaundice
D. Erythema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pallor (paleness) indicates anemia. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) indicates
decreased oxygen in the blood. Jaundice (yellowing) results from increased bilirubin. Erythema
(redness) indicates inflammation or increased blood flow.
Study Guide University of South Alabama
Exam Prep & 100 Q&A MCQs 2026/2027
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with a flat, non-palpable, circumscribed lesion on the forearm
that is 0.5 cm in diameter and light brown in color. How should the nurse practitioner document
this finding?
A. Papule
B. Macule
C. Patch
D. Plaque
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A macule is a flat, non-palpable lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter. A patch is a
flat lesion larger than 1 cm. A papule is a raised, palpable lesion less than 1 cm. A plaque is a
raised, palpable lesion larger than 1 cm.
2. A patient presents with a raised, palpable lesion on the back that is 2 cm in diameter and has
a rough, scaly surface. This lesion should be documented as a:
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Plaque
,D. Vesicle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A plaque is a raised, palpable lesion larger than 1 cm. A papule is raised and less than
1 cm. A macule is flat. A vesicle is a fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm.
3. A patient reports a new lesion on the lip that is raised, filled with clear fluid, and
approximately 0.3 cm in diameter. This is best described as a:
A. Bulla
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Nodule
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A vesicle is a raised, fluid-filled lesion less than 1 cm in diameter. A bulla is a fluid-
filled lesion larger than 1 cm. A pustule contains pus. A nodule is a solid, raised lesion larger
than 1 cm.
4. A nurse practitioner is assessing a patient with jaundice. Which pigment is responsible for the
yellow discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes?
, A. Melanin
B. Carotene
C. Bilirubin
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Jaundice results from increased bilirubin, a yellow-brown pigment that arises from
the breakdown of heme in red blood cells. Carotene is a yellow pigment found in subcutaneous
fat and keratinized areas. Melanin is a brownish pigment that determines skin color.
5. A patient with anemia would most likely present with which skin color change?
A. Cyanosis
B. Pallor
C. Jaundice
D. Erythema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pallor (paleness) indicates anemia. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) indicates
decreased oxygen in the blood. Jaundice (yellowing) results from increased bilirubin. Erythema
(redness) indicates inflammation or increased blood flow.
