Chapter 12: Promoting Healthy Skin and Feet

Chapter 12: Promoting Healthy Skin and Feet

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. Which of the following is an important consideration about the skin of an older adult person?

a.	Generous amounts of soap should be used for cleansing.
b.	Sweat gland activity increases.
c.	Skin becomes more vulnerable to damage.
d.	Skin becomes darker in unexposed areas.

 

 

ANS:  C

Thin skin–reduced sebaceous protection, vascular insufficiency, and longer periods in stationary positions promote skin damage for older adults. Because moisture is lost more rapidly from the skin of an older adult, excessive use of soap tends to dehydrate the skin more severely than it does in a younger person. Sweat gland activity does not increase in older age, but moisture is lost more rapidly because the skin is thinner and sebum secretion is reduced. Changes of skin color in areas exposed to the sun are of greater concern than those in unexposed areas.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Remember     REF:   184-186

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

2. A dermatologist should promptly evaluate which one of the following skin lesions?

a.	Circumscribed, raised area resembling a blob of brown wax
b.	Multicolored raised lesion with a fuzzy border
c.	Bright red, glazed area with satellite lesions around it
d.	Brown spot on the skin with no raised area

 

 

ANS:  B

A multicolored raised lesion with a fuzzy border must be promptly evaluated; this lesion is a malignant melanoma. A circumscribed, raised area resembling a blob of brown wax reflects seborrheic keratosis. A bright red, glazed area with satellite lesions around it is a Candida infection. A brown spot on the skin with no raised area is lentigo.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Understand    REF:   186-188

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Health Promotion and Maintenance

 

3. Which topical agent is safe to apply?

a.	Cornstarch to absorb moisture in the groin area
b.	Betadine to disinfect a healing pressure ulcer
c.	An over-the-counter preparation to dissolve a corn
d.	Light mineral oil to moisten skin after bathing

 

 

ANS:  D

Light mineral oil to moisten skin after bathing helps replace the sebum layer and retain the moisture in the skin. Cornstarch is a substance that promotes fungal growth. Betadine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and some soaps are damaging to newly formed skin. Corn preparations dissolve healthy tissue along with the corn.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Understand    REF:   184-185         TOP:   Nursing Process: Evaluation

MSC:  Safe, Effective Care Environment

 

4. An older patient complains of dry skin and asks for advice. Which advice should the nurse offer for improving dry skin?

a.	Add oil to the bath water to keep skin soft.
b.	Use tepid bath water.
c.	Move to a climate with lower humidity.
d.	Vigorously dry skin with a rough towel after bathing.

 

 

ANS:  B

Tepid bath water minimizes moisture loss from skin. Oil added to the bathtub increases the risk of slipping and falling, which can result in a catastrophic injury. Oils should be applied directly to moist skin after bathing. Humidity should be maintained at approximately 60%; the person may not be able to move. Vigorous, rough towel drying increases skin irritation.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Apply            REF:   185

TOP:   Nursing Process: Implementation     MSC:  Health Promotion and Maintenance