,NSG3250/NSG 3250 Exam 2 | Adult Health I |
Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the skin in maintaining homeostasis?
A) To synthesize vitamin C from sunlight exposure
B) To regulate body temperature through vasodilation and sweating
C) To produce melanin for protection against ultraviolet radiation
D) To act as a primary barrier against all forms of bacteria
Correct Answer: To regulate body temperature through vasodilation and sweating
Rationale: The skin plays a critical role in thermoregulation through vasodilation (increasing blood flow
to release heat) and sweating (evaporative cooling). While the skin does synthesize vitamin D (not C),
produce melanin, and act as a barrier, temperature regulation is its primary homeostatic function.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin lesion. Which of the following findings would be most concerning
for malignant melanoma?
A) A symmetrical mole with a regular border and uniform color
B) A mole that is less than 6 mm in diameter
C) An asymmetrical lesion with irregular borders and color variation
D) A mole that has remained unchanged for several years
Correct Answer: An asymmetrical lesion with irregular borders and color variation
Rationale: The ABCDEs of melanoma assessment include Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation,
Diameter >6 mm, and Evolving/changing features. A lesion with asymmetry, irregular borders, and color
variation is highly suspicious for melanoma.
3. A patient presents with a painful, red blister on the upper lip. The nurse suspects which of the
following conditions?
A) Herpes zoster
,B) Impetigo
C) Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
D) Candidiasis
Correct Answer: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
Rationale: HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips and face. The lesions are
typically painful, vesicular, and recurrent. HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital lesions, and
herpes zoster (shingles) presents as a vesicular rash in a dermatomal pattern.
4. A patient with a history of chickenpox presents with a painful, vesicular rash along the right T3
dermatome. This presentation is most consistent with:
A) Herpes simplex virus type 2
B) Herpes zoster (shingles)
C) Impetigo
D) Cellulitis
Correct Answer: Herpes zoster (shingles)
Rationale: Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) and
presents as a painful, vesicular rash in a unilateral dermatomal distribution. The pain and dermatomal
pattern are key distinguishing features.
5. A patient is diagnosed with impetigo. The nurse understands that this skin infection is most commonly
caused by which of the following organisms?
A) *Candida albicans*
B) Herpes simplex virus
C) Staphylococci or Streptococci
D) *Sarcoptes scabiei*
Correct Answer: Staphylococci or Streptococci
, Rationale: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused primarily by *Staphylococcus
aureus* or *Streptococcus pyogenes*. It is characterized by honey-colored crusted lesions, commonly
seen in children.
6. A patient presents with a white, adherent plaque on the oral mucosa. The nurse suspects oral
candidiasis (thrush). Which of the following is a key predisposing factor for this condition?
A) Recent antibiotic therapy
B) Excessive sun exposure
C) High-protein diet
D) Frequent handwashing
Correct Answer: Recent antibiotic therapy
Rationale: Oral candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of *Candida albicans*, which can occur after the
use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that disrupt the normal oral flora. Immunosuppression, diabetes, and
inhaled corticosteroids are also risk factors.
7. A patient is being discharged with a prescription for a topical corticosteroid. Which of the following
instructions is most important for the nurse to include?
A) Apply the medication thickly to the affected area
B) Wash hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact with eyes
C) Use the medication only when symptoms are severe
D) Apply the medication to healthy skin surrounding the lesion
Correct Answer: Wash hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact with eyes
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids should be applied sparingly to the affected area only. Patients should
wash their hands after application to prevent accidental transfer to sensitive areas like the eyes.
Prolonged use can cause skin thinning.
Galen College | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the skin in maintaining homeostasis?
A) To synthesize vitamin C from sunlight exposure
B) To regulate body temperature through vasodilation and sweating
C) To produce melanin for protection against ultraviolet radiation
D) To act as a primary barrier against all forms of bacteria
Correct Answer: To regulate body temperature through vasodilation and sweating
Rationale: The skin plays a critical role in thermoregulation through vasodilation (increasing blood flow
to release heat) and sweating (evaporative cooling). While the skin does synthesize vitamin D (not C),
produce melanin, and act as a barrier, temperature regulation is its primary homeostatic function.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin lesion. Which of the following findings would be most concerning
for malignant melanoma?
A) A symmetrical mole with a regular border and uniform color
B) A mole that is less than 6 mm in diameter
C) An asymmetrical lesion with irregular borders and color variation
D) A mole that has remained unchanged for several years
Correct Answer: An asymmetrical lesion with irregular borders and color variation
Rationale: The ABCDEs of melanoma assessment include Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation,
Diameter >6 mm, and Evolving/changing features. A lesion with asymmetry, irregular borders, and color
variation is highly suspicious for melanoma.
3. A patient presents with a painful, red blister on the upper lip. The nurse suspects which of the
following conditions?
A) Herpes zoster
,B) Impetigo
C) Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
D) Candidiasis
Correct Answer: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
Rationale: HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores or fever blisters on the lips and face. The lesions are
typically painful, vesicular, and recurrent. HSV-2 is more commonly associated with genital lesions, and
herpes zoster (shingles) presents as a vesicular rash in a dermatomal pattern.
4. A patient with a history of chickenpox presents with a painful, vesicular rash along the right T3
dermatome. This presentation is most consistent with:
A) Herpes simplex virus type 2
B) Herpes zoster (shingles)
C) Impetigo
D) Cellulitis
Correct Answer: Herpes zoster (shingles)
Rationale: Herpes zoster is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) and
presents as a painful, vesicular rash in a unilateral dermatomal distribution. The pain and dermatomal
pattern are key distinguishing features.
5. A patient is diagnosed with impetigo. The nurse understands that this skin infection is most commonly
caused by which of the following organisms?
A) *Candida albicans*
B) Herpes simplex virus
C) Staphylococci or Streptococci
D) *Sarcoptes scabiei*
Correct Answer: Staphylococci or Streptococci
, Rationale: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused primarily by *Staphylococcus
aureus* or *Streptococcus pyogenes*. It is characterized by honey-colored crusted lesions, commonly
seen in children.
6. A patient presents with a white, adherent plaque on the oral mucosa. The nurse suspects oral
candidiasis (thrush). Which of the following is a key predisposing factor for this condition?
A) Recent antibiotic therapy
B) Excessive sun exposure
C) High-protein diet
D) Frequent handwashing
Correct Answer: Recent antibiotic therapy
Rationale: Oral candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of *Candida albicans*, which can occur after the
use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that disrupt the normal oral flora. Immunosuppression, diabetes, and
inhaled corticosteroids are also risk factors.
7. A patient is being discharged with a prescription for a topical corticosteroid. Which of the following
instructions is most important for the nurse to include?
A) Apply the medication thickly to the affected area
B) Wash hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact with eyes
C) Use the medication only when symptoms are severe
D) Apply the medication to healthy skin surrounding the lesion
Correct Answer: Wash hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact with eyes
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids should be applied sparingly to the affected area only. Patients should
wash their hands after application to prevent accidental transfer to sensitive areas like the eyes.
Prolonged use can cause skin thinning.
