Skin Integrity

Every question here, with the answer

1. A nurse is reviewing patient histories in a community clinic to identify lifestyle and behavioral factors that may affect skin integrity. Which findings should the nurse flag? Select all that apply.

   1. A patient reports illicit drug use.
   2. A patient has adequate nutrition and adequate perfusion.
   3. A patient has body piercings and tattoos.
   4. A patient uses medications known to affect the skin.
   5. A patient reports using a harsh soap or detergent that causes rashes.

   Answer: A patient reports illicit drug use., A patient has body piercings and tattoos., A patient uses medications known to affect the skin., A patient reports using a harsh soap or detergent that causes rashes.

   The section identifies substances that contact the skin, medications, illicit drug use, body piercings, and tattoos as lifestyle and behavioral factors that affect skin integrity. Adequate nutrition and adequate perfusion support skin resistance and cell life, so that option is not a risk finding as stated.

2. A child is being treated for impetigo with a topical antibiotic. Which home-care instruction should the nurse give the parent?

   1. Apply a topical antibiotic to the nasal passages for every first episode of impetigo.
   2. Scrub the crusts with a harsh detergent to dry the lesions.
   3. Wash the infected areas gently with soap and water multiple times a day to remove crusts.
   4. Stop hygiene care until the crusts fall off on their own.

   Answer: Wash the infected areas gently with soap and water multiple times a day to remove crusts.

   For impetigo, the section states that infected areas should be washed gently with soap and water multiple times a day to remove crusts. Harsh detergents may impair skin integrity, and nasal antibiotic treatment is discussed for people with recurrent infections who are nasal carriers.

3. A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected cellulitis. Which finding should prompt the nurse to assess for other health conditions because it is atypical for cellulitis?

   1. Redness, tenderness, and pain on one lower leg
   2. Redness and swelling affecting both legs equally
   3. Tender and swollen lymph nodes near the infection
   4. Fluid-filled vesicles on the infected area

   Answer: Redness and swelling affecting both legs equally

   Cellulitis can present with redness, tenderness, pain, swelling, vesicles, and lymph node involvement. However, the section notes that cellulitis most often affects one side of the body, and bilateral cellulitis is rare and should prompt assessment of other health conditions.

4. A patient with recurrent athlete’s foot asks how to prevent another infection after using gym showers. Which instruction is most appropriate?

   1. Wear tight shoes to keep the toes protected and warm.
   2. Leave the feet slightly moist after bathing so the skin will not crack.
   3. Wear sandals or shower shoes in communal bathrooms, change socks frequently, and dry the feet and between the toes completely after bathing.
   4. Walk barefoot in shared showers as long as no fluid-filled blisters are present.

   Answer: Wear sandals or shower shoes in communal bathrooms, change socks frequently, and dry the feet and between the toes completely after bathing.

   Athlete’s foot is associated with moisture between the toes and can spread in shared areas where infected people walk barefoot. The section recommends shower shoes, breathable footwear, changing socks, minimizing moisture, and completely drying the feet and between the toes.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient diagnosed with genital warts. Which teaching points should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

   1. Use safe sex practices.
   2. Inform partners of the diagnosis.
   3. The HPV vaccine may be used to prevent the spread of the virus.
   4. Have the genital warts removed to help prevent spreading from person to person.
   5. Removal guarantees that warts will not return.

   Answer: Use safe sex practices., Inform partners of the diagnosis., The HPV vaccine may be used to prevent the spread of the virus., Have the genital warts removed to help prevent spreading from person to person.

   The section states that genital warts should be removed to prevent spread, and patients should be taught safe sex and the need to inform partners. It also notes that the HPV vaccine may prevent spread, while warts may return even after removal.