Infections of the Skin: Chapter 43, Care of Patients with Integumentary Disorders and Burns

Question 1 of 9

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The patient has been diagnosed with contact dermatitis. Which mechanism caused this patient’s symptoms?

• • Bacterial infectionContact dermatitis is not caused by a bacterial infection.
• • Humoral immunityContact dermatitis is not caused by a humoral immune response.
• Correct
  • Cell-mediated immunityContact dermatitis is caused by a cell-mediated immune reaction to an allergen.
• • Contact with an exogenous toxinContact dermatitis is not caused by contact with an exogenous toxin.

Question 2 of 9

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Which laboratory test is most important to monitor for a patient taking oral antifungal medication for treatment of onychomycosis?

• • Hemoglobin A_1cIt is less important to monitor the patient’s A_1c, which is a measure of blood sugar levels in the bloodstream over time.
• • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)It is less important to monitor the patient’s kidney function (BUN) when taking oral antifungal medicine.
• • High-density lipoprotein (HDL)It is less important to monitor the patient’s cholesterol levels (HDL), as antifungals are not expected to influence this.
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  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)Systemic antifungal medications are highly hepatotoxic; therefore liver function tests, such as ALT, would be monitored closely.

Question 3 of 9

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Which intervention would the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with cellulitis of the lower leg?

• • Applying topical hydrocortisoneTopical hydrocortisone would be contraindicated in this patient.
• • Encouraging the patient to ambulate frequentlyThe patient should rest as much as possible to allow the wound to heal.
• • Performing daily debridement of the patient’s woundDebridement is not an appropriate intervention in the home.
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  • Soaking the patient’s leg in aluminum acetate solution (Burow solution)Nursing interventions for the patient with cellulitis include Burow soaks.

Question 4 of 9

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Which nursing intervention is appropriate when caring for a patient on contact precautions for impetigo?

• • Always wear a gown when in the room.Gowns should only be worn when soiling is likely, especially if there is drainage from the wound or the patient is incontinent.
• • Place used linens in the regular laundry container.Used linens from patients on contact precautions should be discarded in a biohazard waste receptacle or bagged and labeled before being sent for decontamination and processing.
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  • Keep a disposable stethoscope in the patient’s room.Patient care equipment should be used only for one patient and should be left in the room until no longer needed.
• • Dispose of dirty gloves outside the patient’s room.Gloves should be discarded before leaving the patient’s room to prevent contamination.

Question 5 of 9

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The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with acne vulgaris. Which patient statement indicates an understanding of the diagnosis?

• • “This condition was caused by eating too many sweets.”Acne vulgaris is not caused by intake of certain foods, but a well-balanced diet is recommended for management.
• Correct
  • “I might need to take an antibiotic to clear up my acne.”Antibiotics may be used to clear up cystic acne (acne vulgaris) to inhibit the growth of bacteria in clogged ducts.
• • “If I had been better about washing my face regularly, I wouldn’t have this issue.”Acne vulgaris is not linked to poor personal hygiene habits, so this is not the cause of the condition.
• • “I need to be careful who I am around, so I don’t spread this to anyone.”Acne vulgaris is not contagious.

Question 6 of 9

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Which information would the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient diagnosed with psoriasis?

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  • “Make sure your shoes fit properly to avoid blisters.”Irritations or breaks in the skin can stimulate the growth of psoriatic plaques, so it is important that patients with psoriasis wear properly fitting shoes to prevent blisters.
• • “Keep your skin dry at all times to prevent flare-ups.”Patients with psoriasis should keep skin as moist and pliable as possible to improve lesion healing.
• • “Lesions never go away, so treatment focuses on not letting them get bigger.”Psoriatic lesions tend to clear up and go into remission spontaneously.
• • “Be careful around other people because this disorder is highly contagious.”Psoriasis is not a contagious disorder.

Question 7 of 9

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Which medication would the nurse anticipate administering to a patient with herpes zoster? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

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  • AntiviralsAntivirals, such as acyclovir, are typically prescribed orally for the treatment of herpes zoster.
• Correct
  • AntibioticsProphylactic antibiotics may be prescribed for patients with herpes zoster to treat bacterial infection of lesions.
• • AntihistaminesAntihistamines are not indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster.
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  • CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation associated with herpes zoster.
• • Opioid analgesicsOpioid analgesics are typically avoided to prevent addiction that can occur with long-term use.

Question 8 of 9

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Which information would the nurse include in the discharge teaching for a patient diagnosed with a fungal infection?

• • Avoid wearing cotton socks.Patients with fungal infections should be encouraged to wear cotton socks to prevent recurrence of infection.
• • Change bed linens once per month.Linens should be changed once per week for patients with fungal infections.
• • Only share towels with household members.Towels should not be shared with anyone if a fungal infection is present.
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  • Thoroughly dry between the toes after bathing.Between the toes is a common site for fungal growth, so it is important that this area be kept dry at all times to prevent infection.

Question 9 of 9

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Which patient statement indicates an understanding of home care for louse infestation?

• • “I will wash my laundry on the coldest setting.”Laundry should be washed on the hottest setting to ensure that lice have been eliminated.
• • “My mattress needs to be thrown away.”Mattresses can be sprayed with a specific disinfectant and do not need to be thrown away.
• Correct
  • “My bed comforter should be dry-cleaned.”Bed comforters can be dry-cleaned after louse infestation.
• • “My hairbrush can be washed with alcohol to kill the lice.”Combs and hairbrushes should be soaked in very hot water for more than 5 minutes to kill lice.