Integumentary NCLEX
Questions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure
ulcer on the sacrum. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Apply a moisturizing lotion daily
B. Reposition the client every 2 hours
C. Massage the reddened area
D. Use a heating pad over the area
Answer: B
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours relieves pressure
and prevents worsening of the ulcer. Massaging reddened
areas can damage tissue, and heating pads may worsen
tissue injury.
2. A client has extensive burns and is at risk for
infection. Which finding indicates an early
infection?
A. Dry skin
B. Increased white blood cell count
C. Hypothermia
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B
Rationale: An elevated WBC count indicates an
inflammatory or infectious process. Early signs of
,infection include fever, redness, purulent drainage, or
increased WBC.
3. A client with atopic dermatitis asks how to
relieve itching. Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Take long, hot baths
B. Apply corticosteroid ointment as prescribed
C. Scratch the affected areas
D. Use perfumed soaps
Answer: B
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation
and itching. Hot baths and scratching worsen irritation;
perfumed soaps can exacerbate dermatitis.
4. Which assessment finding suggests malignant
melanoma?
A. Small, smooth, light brown mole
B. Irregular-shaped mole with color variation
C. Raised, symmetrical mole
D. Flat, uniform-colored mole
Answer: B
Rationale: The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolving)
helps identify suspicious lesions.
5. A client has cellulitis of the leg. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Elevate the leg
B. Administer antibiotics
,C. Apply warm compresses
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Early antibiotic therapy is essential to treat
cellulitis and prevent systemic infection. Elevation and
warm compresses are supportive measures.
6. A client is prescribed isotretinoin for severe
acne. What is the most important teaching?
A. Avoid sun exposure
B. Do not use contraception
C. Take it with milk
D. Use as needed
Answer: A
Rationale: Isotretinoin increases photosensitivity.
Additionally, patients must use contraception due to
teratogenicity, but sun protection is a key teaching point.
7. Which type of burn affects the epidermis only
and presents with redness and pain?
A. First-degree
B. Second-degree superficial partial-thickness
C. Second-degree deep partial-thickness
D. Third-degree
Answer: A
Rationale: First-degree burns involve only the epidermis,
causing redness, pain, and no blisters. Deeper burns
involve blistering or charring.
, 8. A client with psoriasis is starting phototherapy.
What should the nurse teach?
A. Avoid all sunlight
B. Use sunscreen on treated areas
C. Expect permanent skin lightening
D. Limit sessions to prevent burns
Answer: D
Rationale: Phototherapy can cause burns if
overexposed. Treatment is carefully timed, and
sunscreen is generally avoided on treatment areas to
allow therapeutic UV exposure.
9. A client has fungal infection (tinea corporis).
Which instruction is correct?
A. Share towels with family
B. Apply topical antifungal to the entire affected area
C. Cover with occlusive dressing
D. Stop treatment once rash fades
Answer: B
Rationale: Antifungal creams should cover the entire
affected area. Treatment must continue for prescribed
duration to prevent recurrence.
10. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected
melanoma. Which characteristic is most
concerning?
A. Symmetrical, uniform color
B. Diameter 8 mm, irregular borders
C. Smooth, raised, skin-colored lesion
D. Small, flat, brown spot
Questions
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure
ulcer on the sacrum. Which intervention is the
priority?
A. Apply a moisturizing lotion daily
B. Reposition the client every 2 hours
C. Massage the reddened area
D. Use a heating pad over the area
Answer: B
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours relieves pressure
and prevents worsening of the ulcer. Massaging reddened
areas can damage tissue, and heating pads may worsen
tissue injury.
2. A client has extensive burns and is at risk for
infection. Which finding indicates an early
infection?
A. Dry skin
B. Increased white blood cell count
C. Hypothermia
D. Decreased heart rate
Answer: B
Rationale: An elevated WBC count indicates an
inflammatory or infectious process. Early signs of
,infection include fever, redness, purulent drainage, or
increased WBC.
3. A client with atopic dermatitis asks how to
relieve itching. Which instruction is appropriate?
A. Take long, hot baths
B. Apply corticosteroid ointment as prescribed
C. Scratch the affected areas
D. Use perfumed soaps
Answer: B
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation
and itching. Hot baths and scratching worsen irritation;
perfumed soaps can exacerbate dermatitis.
4. Which assessment finding suggests malignant
melanoma?
A. Small, smooth, light brown mole
B. Irregular-shaped mole with color variation
C. Raised, symmetrical mole
D. Flat, uniform-colored mole
Answer: B
Rationale: The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border
irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolving)
helps identify suspicious lesions.
5. A client has cellulitis of the leg. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Elevate the leg
B. Administer antibiotics
,C. Apply warm compresses
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Early antibiotic therapy is essential to treat
cellulitis and prevent systemic infection. Elevation and
warm compresses are supportive measures.
6. A client is prescribed isotretinoin for severe
acne. What is the most important teaching?
A. Avoid sun exposure
B. Do not use contraception
C. Take it with milk
D. Use as needed
Answer: A
Rationale: Isotretinoin increases photosensitivity.
Additionally, patients must use contraception due to
teratogenicity, but sun protection is a key teaching point.
7. Which type of burn affects the epidermis only
and presents with redness and pain?
A. First-degree
B. Second-degree superficial partial-thickness
C. Second-degree deep partial-thickness
D. Third-degree
Answer: A
Rationale: First-degree burns involve only the epidermis,
causing redness, pain, and no blisters. Deeper burns
involve blistering or charring.
, 8. A client with psoriasis is starting phototherapy.
What should the nurse teach?
A. Avoid all sunlight
B. Use sunscreen on treated areas
C. Expect permanent skin lightening
D. Limit sessions to prevent burns
Answer: D
Rationale: Phototherapy can cause burns if
overexposed. Treatment is carefully timed, and
sunscreen is generally avoided on treatment areas to
allow therapeutic UV exposure.
9. A client has fungal infection (tinea corporis).
Which instruction is correct?
A. Share towels with family
B. Apply topical antifungal to the entire affected area
C. Cover with occlusive dressing
D. Stop treatment once rash fades
Answer: B
Rationale: Antifungal creams should cover the entire
affected area. Treatment must continue for prescribed
duration to prevent recurrence.
10. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected
melanoma. Which characteristic is most
concerning?
A. Symmetrical, uniform color
B. Diameter 8 mm, irregular borders
C. Smooth, raised, skin-colored lesion
D. Small, flat, brown spot
