Exam 15: Assessing the Integumentary System

While conducting a patient's health history, the nurse learns that the patient has worked at a landfill for the last 35 years. Why should the nurse find this information significant?

The nurse is completing an integumentary examination with an African American patient. Which findings should the nurse recognize are associated with the patient's genetics?

During a conversation with the nurse, a patient comments that he rarely goes outside when the sun is shining because he is afraid of developing skin cancer. Which health problem is this patient at risk for developing?

The nurse is assessing the integumentary status of a 79-year-old female. Which findings should the nurse considered common in older adults?

The nurse is caring for an older patient with thin subcutaneous tissue. What actions should the nurse take to ensure the patient's comfort and safety?

A patient diagnosed with heart failure has 3+ lower extremity edema. Which description most accurately describes this patient's edema?

After completing an integumentary status assessment, the nurse documents "+1 edema right lower leg." What does this documentation indicate?

During an integumentary assessment the nurse observes multiple areas of ecchymosis over the patient's arms, legs, and upper back. What problems should the nurse consider as causes of these manifestations?

A patient being seen for an elevated, darkened area of excess scar tissue asks the nurse what caused it. How should the nurse respond?

Prior to assessing a patient's integumentary status, the nurse notes excessive perspiration. What possible causes should the nurse consider for this finding?

During an integumentary assessment, an older patient is found to have a brown benign macule with a defined border. How should the nurse document this finding?

A patient complains of the sudden appearance of white patches on the skin. The nurse, suspecting vitiligo, should ask the patient which questions?

The nurse is assessing the integumentary status of an older patient. What change should the nurse expect in this patient?

The nurse notes this distribution of lesions on a patient's skin. Based on this finding, the nurse should perform additional assessment looking for indications of which problem?

A patient is seen for an erythematous generalized rash. Which questions should the nurse ask regarding the rash?

Place an "X" over the structure whose decreased activity in older patients causes dry skin or absence of perspiration.

The nurse has assessed a flat, nonpalpable change in the skin color on a patient's back. What characteristic identifies this skin color change as a macule?

A patient has an area of rough, thickened, hardened epidermis. What should the nurse suspect as the reason for this skin lesion?

The nurse is preparing to conduct the health history of a new clinic patient. The intake notes reveal that the patient has albinism. What assessment finding should the nurse expect in this patient?

A patient is experiencing a problem with the eccrine sweat glands. Because of this structural problem, the nurse realizes that which function will be affected in this patient?