Author Question: The nurse assesses a circular, flat, reddened lesion about 5 cm in diameter on a middle-aged ... (Read 81 times)

appyboo · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse assesses a circular, flat, reddened lesion about 5 cm in diameter on a middle-aged patient's ankle. How should the nurse determine if the lesion is related to intradermal bleeding?

a. Elevate the patient's leg.
b. Press firmly on the lesion.
c. Check the temperature of the skin around the lesion.
d. Palpate the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses.

Question 2

The nurse prepares to obtain a culture from a patient who has a possible fungal infection on the foot. Which items should the nurse gather for this procedure?

a. Sterile gloves
b. Patch test instruments
c. Cotton-tipped applicators
d. Local anesthetic, syringe, and intradermal needle

rnehls · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
If the lesion is caused by intradermal or subcutaneous bleeding or a nonvascular cause, the discoloration will remain when direct pressure is applied to the lesion. If the lesion is caused by blood vessel dilation, blanching will occur with direct pressure. The other assessments will assess circulation to the leg, but will not be helpful in determining the etiology of the lesion.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Fungal cultures are obtained by swabbing the affected area of the skin with cotton-tipped applicators. Sterile gloves are not needed because it is not a sterile procedure. Local injection is not needed because the swabbing is not usually painful. The patch test is done to determine whether a patient is allergic to specific testing material, not for obtaining fungal specimens.