Comprehensive Skin Assessment Quiz

Which term describes a yellowish discoloration of the skin often associated with liver disease?

• Cyanosis

• Jaundice

• Pallor

• Erythema

Answer explanation

Jaundice is the term used to describe a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, commonly associated with liver disease due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

Which word best describes skin that feels rough and thickened?

• Macerated

• Indurated

• Scaly

• Smooth

Answer explanation

The term 'indurated' refers to skin that is rough and thickened due to hardening, often from inflammation or chronic irritation. In contrast, 'macerated' implies softened skin, 'scaly' suggests flaking, and 'smooth' indicates a lack of texture.

Which of the following best describes the procedure for assessing skin turgor?

• Pressing a fingernail and observing color return

• Pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to normal

• Using a thermometer to measure skin temperature

• Rubbing the skin to check for redness

Answer explanation

The correct procedure for assessing skin turgor involves pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to normal, indicating hydration status. Other options do not assess turgor.

During a skin assessment, you notice the skin is excessively dry and flaky and has poor turgor. Which of the following could be a possible cause?

• Hyperhidrosis

• Dehydration (tenting)

• Fever

• Allergic reaction

Answer explanation

Excessive dryness and poor turgor indicate dehydration, which can cause skin to lose moisture and elasticity. Tenting is a sign of dehydration, making it the most likely cause in this scenario.

A nurse observes bluish/grayish discoloration of skin(lips, tongue, nail beds/tips of fingers) resulting from insufficient amounts of oxygen in the blood. Which condition could this finding suggest?

• Hypothermia

• Fever

• Anemia

• Cyanosis

Answer explanation

Cyanosis is characterized by bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels in the blood. This finding directly indicates insufficient oxygenation, making cyanosis the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-7

Which of the following techniques is most appropriate for assessing skin moisture?

• Palpation

• Percussion

• Auscultation

• Inspection only

Answer explanation

Palpation is the most appropriate technique for assessing skin moisture as it allows for direct tactile evaluation of the skin's hydration level, unlike percussion or auscultation, which are not suitable for this purpose.

A patient’s skin is noted to be red (darker skin looking purple of bluish) caused by inflammation, injury, injection, infection, allergic reaction, sunburn, or heat exposure. Which condition should you consider?

• Erythema

• Arterial insufficiency

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

Answer explanation

Erythema is characterized by redness of the skin due to inflammation or other causes like injury or allergic reactions. The description of red or bluish skin aligns with erythema, making it the correct choice.

You are performing a skin assessment and notice the patient’s skin is moist and clammy. What additional assessments should you perform to determine the underlying cause?

• Check for fever and review recent activity

• Ignore the finding as it is normal

• Only assess skin color

• Only check for rashes

Answer explanation

Moist and clammy skin can indicate various conditions. Checking for fever and reviewing recent activity helps identify potential causes like infection or exertion, making this the most comprehensive assessment.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

During a routine assessment, you observe that a patient’s skin is dry, cool, and has decreased turgor. What is the most likely underlying condition, and what evidence supports your conclusion?

• Overhydration; moist skin and increased turgor

• Dehydration; dry, cool skin and decreased turgor

• Fever; warm, moist skin

• Infection; redness and warmth

Answer explanation

The patient's dry, cool skin and decreased turgor indicate dehydration. These signs are classic indicators of fluid loss, supporting the conclusion that dehydration is the underlying condition.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-3

During a routine assessment, you observe bogginess or sponginess of the skin. What is the most likely underlying condition?

• Tissue damage

• dehydration

• hemotoma

• contusion

Answer explanation

Bogginess or sponginess of the skin indicates tissue damage, often due to fluid accumulation or injury. This is more indicative of underlying tissue issues than dehydration, hematoma, or contusion.