Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A young adult patient has come into a dermatology clinic and reports having had a single 1-in lesion that was scaly with a raised border and a pink center on the chest. Now, a little more than a week later, there are smaller matching spots of the rash on both sides of the chest. The nurse observes pink, oval-shaped spots that are 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in across. What condition does the nurse suspect the health care provider will diagnose?
A. Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea typically starts with a single, larger "herald patch" followed by a rash with smaller, oval spots. The described pattern is characteristic of this condition.
B. Herpes zoster virus
Herpes zoster virus or shingles, usually presents with vesicular lesions in a dermatomal distribution, rather than scattered oval spots.
C. Herpes simplex type 1
Herpes simplex type 1 generally causes oral lesions or cold sores, not the body rash described.
D. Impetigo contagiosa
Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial infection that typically causes honey-colored crusted sores and is not described as having a herald patch or oval spots.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Lpn fundamentals exam evolve ( Illinois college) proctored exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Pityriasis rosea typically starts with a single, larger "herald patch" followed by a rash with smaller, oval spots. The described pattern is characteristic of this condition.
B. Herpes zoster virus or shingles, usually presents with vesicular lesions in a dermatomal distribution, rather than scattered oval spots.
C. Herpes simplex type 1 generally causes oral lesions or cold sores, not the body rash described.
D. Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial infection that typically causes honey-colored crusted sores and is not described as having a herald patch or oval spots.
Similar Questions
The school nurse recognizes the signs of scabies when a child displays which symptom?
A. cluster of papular lesions with pruritus.
Cluster of papular lesions with pruritus: While scabies causes pruritic lesions, it is more characterized by burrows or wavy lines, not clusters.
B. wavy threadlike lines on the body and pruritus.
Wavy threadlike lines on the body and pruritus: Scabies is distinguished by the presence of burrows, which appear as wavy, threadlike lines on the skin, accompanied by intense itching.
C. small fluid-filled blisters that sting when scratched.
Small fluid-filled blisters that sting when scratched: Fluid-filled blisters are more characteristic of herpes simplex or chickenpox, not scabies.
D. dry scaly patches in body creases that itch.
Dry scaly patches in body creases that itch: This description is more typical of eczema or psoriasis, rather than scabies.
Full Explanation
A. Cluster of papular lesions with pruritus: While scabies causes pruritic lesions, it is more characterized by burrows or wavy lines, not clusters.
B. Wavy threadlike lines on the body and pruritus: Scabies is distinguished by the presence of burrows, which appear as wavy, threadlike lines on the skin, accompanied by intense itching.
C. Small fluid-filled blisters that sting when scratched: Fluid-filled blisters are more characteristic of herpes simplex or chickenpox, not scabies.
D. Dry scaly patches in body creases that itch: This description is more typical of eczema or psoriasis, rather than scabies.
To help prevent falls related to muscle weakness, what type of exercises should be selected for the aging patient?
A. Aerobic
Aerobic: While aerobic exercises improve cardiovascular health, they are less effective in building muscle strength needed to prevent falls.
B. Weight-bearing
Weight-bearing: Weight-bearing exercises, such as resistance training, help strengthen muscles and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls.
C. Running
Running: Running may be too intense and not suitable for all aging patients, particularly those with joint issues or balance problems.
D. Daily
Daily: The frequency of exercise is less relevant than the type; weight-bearing exercises specifically target muscle strength.
Full Explanation
A. Aerobic: While aerobic exercises improve cardiovascular health, they are less effective in building muscle strength needed to prevent falls.
B. Weight-bearing: Weight-bearing exercises, such as resistance training, help strengthen muscles and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls.
C. Running: Running may be too intense and not suitable for all aging patients, particularly those with joint issues or balance problems.
D. Daily: The frequency of exercise is less relevant than the type; weight-bearing exercises specifically target muscle strength.
A resident of an assisted living center reports having sharp pain on one side of the body, with patches of "blisters". The nurse notices vesicles on one side of the thorax, which follow a peripheral nerve pathway. Suspecting herpes zoster, the nurse immediately contacts the health care provider. Which is the reason for the prompt notification?
A. Early recognition is essential to treat the disorder.
Early recognition is essential to treat the disorder: Early recognition of herpes zoster is crucial to start antiviral therapy and reduce the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.
B. Oral ulcers could prevent intake of adequate fluids.
Oral ulcers could prevent intake of adequate fluids. This does not apply to herpes zoster, as the vesicles are usually not found in the mouth.
C. Prompt notification prevents sexual transmission.
Prompt notification prevents sexual transmission. Herpes zoster is not sexually transmitted; it is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus.
D. Early administration of the varicella vaccine is needed.
Early administration of the varicella vaccine is needed. The varicella vaccine is not used to treat herpes zoster but rather to prevent chickenpox.
Full Explanation
A. Early recognition is essential to treat the disorder: Early recognition of herpes zoster is crucial to start antiviral therapy and reduce the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.
B. Oral ulcers could prevent intake of adequate fluids. This does not apply to herpes zoster, as the vesicles are usually not found in the mouth.
C. Prompt notification prevents sexual transmission. Herpes zoster is not sexually transmitted; it is caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus.
D. Early administration of the varicella vaccine is needed. The varicella vaccine is not used to treat herpes zoster but rather to prevent chickenpox.