Chapter 13: Skin Care Touhy: Ebersole & Hess' Toward Healthy Aging, 9th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The nurse is most concerned by observing when assisting with an older client’s bath: a. A firm, irregularly-shaped, pink-colored nodule b. A slightly raised multicolor lesion with an asymmetrical, irregular border c. A pearly papule with prominent blood vessels d. Rough, scaly, sandpaper-like patches that are slightly tender ANS: B
A slightly raised multicolor lesion with an asymmetrical irregular border is characteristic of melanoma that accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases, but it causes most skin cancer deaths. A firm, irregularly-shaped, pink-colored nodule or persistent red lesion is characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma. A pearly papule with prominent blood vessels is a characteristic of a basal cell carcinoma. A tender, rough, scaly, sandpaper-like patch is a characteristic of actinic keratoses (a precancerous lesion). DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying REF: p. 159 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 2. An older person is admitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of congestive heart failure.
The nurse notes that the patient complains of severe itching at night and has a red rash on her torso. The patient is diagnosed with scabies. The patient asks the nurse, “How did I get something like this?” The best response by the nurse is: a. “Scabies is highly contagious and spreads easily through physical contact.” b. “Scabies is commonly seen in older adults due to normal age-related changes in the skin.” c. “Scabies is only seen in older adults who have multiple chronic illnesses.” d. “Certain medications can make you more susceptible to contracting scabies.” ANS: A
Scabies is caused by a tiny burrowing mite and is highly contagious and easily passed by an infected person to family members and others in close contact by direct physical content. It is not limited to older adults, and age-related changes in the skin do not cause it or make a person more susceptible. Individuals with multiple chronic conditions are not more likely to develop scabies than other individuals. There is no evidence that medications can make an individual more susceptible. DIF: Cognitive Level: Remembering REF: p. 155 TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 3. A nurse is providing an educational session on vaccines to a group of older adults. The nurse
is discussing the zoster vaccine (Zostavax). Which of the following information should the nurse include in the education? a. Zostavax should only be given to individuals who have never had an episode of herpes zoster (HZ)
