Chapter 12: Promoting Healthy Skin and Feet

Test Bank
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 skinreduced 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
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 184-186
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
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 186-188
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
MSC: Safe, Effective Care Environment

REF: 184-185

TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation

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

offer for improving dry skin?

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

a.
b.
c.
d.

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
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 185
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

5. Which of the following is a true statement about impaired skin integrity?

a. Stage III pressure ulcer cannot regress to stage II because the subcutaneous tissues

regenerate.
b. Stasis ulcer is another term for pressure ulcer.
c. Muscle and fat cannot regenerate.
d. Weight reduction is recommended to help prevent pressure ulcers.
ANS: C

Because subcutaneous tissues such as muscle and fat are not regenerated but simply replaced
by granular tissue, the staging of pressure ulcers is never reversed. Stasis ulcers are the result
of the leakage of blood from veins beneath the skin. Pressure ulcers are caused when
perfusion to the tissue is impaired by external pressure that causes tissue injury and death.
Sufficient nutrition is essential in maintaining skin integrity.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember
MSC: Physiological Integrity

REF: 189-193

TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation

6. An older adult woman complains of foot pain from a corn. After assessing her feet, which

intervention should the nurse implement to alleviate her discomfort safely?

a. Cut out an oval corn pad to make a U shape.
b. Use a corn pad slightly larger than the corn.
c. Gently remove the corn with a sterile razor blade.
d. Tape her toe with the corn to the other toes.
ANS: A

A corn pad altered this way surrounds the corn without adding pressure over it. If an oval corn
pad is used without being cut to a U shape, then it aggravates pressure over the corn and can
reduce circulation to the covered tissue. For the surgical removal of a corn, the patient should
be referred to the podiatrist. Taping the toes replaces pressure from the shoe with pressure
from the tape.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 193-196
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

7. Which of the following is a true statement about skin care for older adults?
a. A licensed practical nurse is qualified to care for the feet of a patient with diabetes.
b. Onychomycosis is quickly eradicated with antifungal creams or powders.
c. A rams-horn nail should be cut to give a smooth, rounded edge.
d. Maintaining oral hydration may reduce the incidence of xerosis.
ANS: D

Oral hydration and lubrication will decrease the incidence of xerosis. Only a registered nurse
who has special training, a nurse practitioner, or a podiatrist should perform diabetic foot care.
The treatment of onychomycosis is difficult because of the limited blood supply to the nails.
Oral medications are expensive and toxic. A toenail should be cut flat across. Rounding can
lead to ingrown toenails.
PTS: 1
DIF: Remember
REF: 184-196
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation

8. The nurse plans care to protect the skin covering an older adults greater trochanter. Which of

the following interventions is the nurses priority when the older adult is positioned on the
side?
a. Implement a turning schedule.
b. Place a cushion between the knees.
c. Keep the skin clean and dry.
d. Use the Sims position.
ANS: A

The most important nursing intervention when an older adult is positioned on the side is to
relieve pressure on the head of the femur and the greater trochanter; the greater trochanter is
the most prominent bony projection on the side of a body. By turning the older adult at
intervals, the nurse helps maintain tissue perfusion, thus providing oxygenation to tissues and
allowing the removal of waste from vulnerable skin. The nurse places a pillow between the
knees to help maintain physiological body alignment and to prevent strain on the hips and
spine; if positioned properly, the pillow can help maintain tissue integrity of the medial
malleolus and ankle by elevating them off the mattress. However, because the nurses priority
is to maintain tissue oxygenation, preventing muscle and joint strain is not as important. The
nurse keeps the skin clean and dry to help maintain skin integrity, but this intervention is not
as important as maintaining tissue oxygenation. The nurse uses the Sims position to
supplement turning; when in the Sims position, the patient is on the side but rotated slightly
forward, allowing the chest and abdomen to fall forward to relieve some of the pressure on the
patients side.
PTS: 1
DIF: Analyze
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 184-193
MSC: Physiological Integrity

9. An older adult is vitamin deficient. Which of the following does the nurse offer to the older

adult to provide the important missing vitamin for maintaining healthy skin and enhancing
tissue repair?
a. Carrot sticks
c. Orange slices
b. Nonfat milk
d. Unsalted nuts
ANS: C

Orange slices provide vitamin C, which is important for healthy tissues and gums, tissue
repair and healing, and the maintenance of blood vessels. Although carrots sticks are a good
source of beta carotene, fiber, and vitamin A and important in the formation of epithelial tissue
and although milk provides calcium for bone strength and protein for tissue repair, neither
carrots nor milk address vitamin deficiency. Unsalted nuts provide healthy fats, fiber, and
other nutrients but not vitamin C.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 193
MSC: Physiological Integrity

10. The nurse monitors for which clinical indicator when the older adult complains of pruritus?
a. Coarse skin
c. Brownish skin
b. Brown macule
d. Regional edema
ANS: A

The nurse is alert for rough, dry, flaky skin when an older adult complains of pruritus to be
able to prevent linear excoriation leading to skin breaks, excoriation, inflammation, and
infection. A brown macule is a freckle or a liver spot, an indication of sun exposure. Brownish
skin is a clinical indicator of venous insufficiency. Regional edema is a sign of fluid overload
and venous insufficiency; localized edema is a sign of infection.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand REF: 185
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning

11. The nurse cares for an older man who has a malignant melanoma. Which intervention should

the nurse implement for this man to prevent a recurrence or advancement of this condition in
the future?
a. Place posters about sunscreen in the halls of his apartment building.
b. Promote the application of a sunscreen at his neighborhood health fair.
c. Tell him to schedule all outdoor activities after 4 PM daily.
d. Instruct him to wear sun-protective clothing and a hat at all times.
ANS: D

The nurse caring for an older adult in acute care instructs him to wear sun-protective garments
at all times to help prevent additional skin cancers, as well as apply an effective sunscreen to
protect his skin against ultraviolet light. Placing posters and promoting sunscreen at a health
fair are interventions for a community nurse. Scheduling activities after a specific time can be
impractical or impossible.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 186-188
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

12. Which infection-control practice should the nurse implement when caring for an older adult

who has active herpes zoster?

Wear a face shield and gown for all patient contact.
Instruct the staff and visitors to wear a type of respirator mask.
Use a hospital room that has negative airflow circulation.
Cover ruptured skin lesions with a nonabsorbent dressing.

a.
b.
c.
d.

ANS: D

Herpes zoster in an adult is spread through contact; therefore the nurse applies the principles
of contact precautions when caring for an older adult with active herpes zoster. To reduce the
transmission of the virus through contact, the nurse keeps the ruptured lesions covered. A face
shield is not necessary when caring for an adult with herpes zoster; however, a gown can be
necessary during dressing changes or any time that splashing can occur. Airborne precautions
and a respirator-type mask are indicated for infections transmitted through the air. Because
active herpes zoster in an older adult is transmitted through contact, negative airflow is not
indicated.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation

REF: 186
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

13. The nurse is conducting an admission assessment on an older adult and notes a small lesion

with a multicolor appearance. Which assessment approach should the nurse use?
Braden Scale
Wound staging
ABCD (asymmetry, border, color, diameter) rule
Pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH) tool

a.
b.
c.
d.

ANS: C

The ABCD rule is used to assess potential cancerous lesions for asymmetry, border
irregularity, color, and diameter. The Braden Scale is used for predicting pressure ulcers.
Wound staging is used during the assessment of pressure ulcers. The PUSH tool provides a
detailed form that covers all aspects of an assessment.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 186-193
MSC: Physiological Integrity

14. A nurse will be conducting an educational session on preventing skin cancer at a local senior

citizens center. Which should the nurse include in the session?

a. Squamous cell cancer may appear similar to a wart.
b. Basal cell carcinoma is more common in women.
c. Actinic keratosis begins as a pearly papule.
d. Melanoma is characterized by rough, scaly patches.
ANS: A

Squamous cell lesion may appear like a wart and be hard with defined borders. Basal cell
carcinoma is more prevalent in fair-skinned older men and begins as a pearly papule. A
multicolored, raised lesion with asymmetrical borders characterizes melanoma.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: 187
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning

15. Which nursing intervention is most likely to prevent the creation of an environment conducive

to fungal growth?
Provide oral care with soft-bristled brush.
Apply nystatin powder to reddened tissue.
Use mild skin cleansing agents and blot dry.
Apply gauze soaked with antifungal lotion.

a.
b.
c.
d.

ANS: C

Fungal infections are most likely to begin in moist, dark areas of the body such as under the
breasts and at the perineum; thus the nurse works to keep the skin of these areas, as well as all
skin, clean and dry and to prevent tissue irritation from harsh drying. Providing oral care with
a soft-bristled brush is ineffective therapy for preventing an oral Candida infection (thrush).
Besides, thrush is usually an opportunistic infection caused by immunosuppression. Reddened
tissue can be already infected; nonetheless, applying an antifungal agent is an indicated
treatment for a fungal infection. Applying antifungal lotion and keeping an area moist can
contribute to fungal overgrowth.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 188
MSC: Physiological Integrity

MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The nurse determines the risk for a pressure ulcer in an older adult who is 6 feet tall and

weighs 155 pounds. Which patient information should the nurse use in planning care to reduce
this individuals risk for a pressure ulcer? (Select all that apply.)
a. Osteoarthritis of neck
b. Dry mucous membranes
c. Prealbumin level 7 mg/dl
d. Fasting glucose 140 mg/dl
e. Serum sodium 135 mEq/dl
f. Uses food stamps to get food
ANS: B, C, D, F

One area of concern the nurse should address is the potential for skin breakdown related to
possible pain or immobility due to arthritic changes. The nurse also plans care to address
dehydration as a significant risk factor for pressure ulcers because this man is underweight,
malnourished, and dehydrated as evidenced by dry mucous membranes. Dehydration
increases the risk for pressure ulcers because water is essential for intracellular functioning
and cell durability. The nurse plans care based on the assessment of hypoproteinemia because
this man is underweight and malnourished, significantly increasing his risk for pressure
ulcers.
A fasting glucose showing hyperglycemia is a clinical indicator of diabetes mellitus;
therefore the nurse plans care to manage the hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus increases the
risk of pressure ulcers as a result of the greater likelihood of impaired tissue perfusion,
impaired wound healing, and a greater occurrence of peripheral neuropathies. In addition,
impaired tissue sensation as a result of nerve damage from hyperglycemia increases the risk of
injury and infection for individuals with diabetes mellitus. A characteristic of type 1 diabetes
mellitus is a low weight-for-height ratio. This man has limited resources for obtaining food,
considering that he uses food stamps, and is therefore at risk for malnutrition, which increases
the risk for pressure ulcers. Osteoarthritis in the neck is not related to the nursing care planned
to reduce the risk for pressure ulcers; it should not impair this older adults mobility or ability
to obtain and prepare food. His sodium level is within normal limits.
PTS: 1
DIF: Apply
REF: 189-193
MSC: Health Promotion and Maintenance

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning

2. Although intact skin effectively protects an individual, it functions within physiological limits.

Which qualities of healthy skin work synergistically within these limits to absorb, cushion
against, deflect, or neutralize potentially harmful forces, as well as protect against potentially
harmful substances that might impair skin integrity? (Select all that apply.)
a. Strength
b. Pliability
c. Location
d. Durability
e. Moistness
f. Pigmentation
ANS: A, B, D

Skin must be strong enough to withstand forces that can impair its integrity. If skin is not
supple, then it is unable to withstand directional forces and will tear. Skin must be sturdy
enough to act as an effective protective mechanism. All skin must be able to absorb, cushion,
and withstand forces. Skin in a moist environment is subject to bacterial and fungal
overgrowth. Skin pigmentation is unrelated to its ability to cushion, absorb, and withstand
potentially harmful substances and forces.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 184-185
MSC: Physiological Integrity

3. Which of the following patient(s) does the nurse identify as at risk for developing fungal

infections? (Select all that apply.)

Obesity
Multiple sclerosis
Impaired mental status
Incontinent
Bedridden

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ANS: A, D, E

Prevention is prioritized for persons who are obese, bedridden, incontinent, or diaphoretic.
Patients with multiple sclerosis may develop skin infections but are not at high risk. Patients
with an impaired mental status can often be incontinent, but this condition, in itself, does not
predispose the patient to fungal infections.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

REF: 188
MSC: Physiological Integrity

4. The nurse identifies which of the following intervention(s) in the treatment of fungal

infections? (Select all that apply.)

Eliminate the conditions that created the problem.
Lubricate affected area daily with moisturizing lotion.
Thoroughly clean and dry skin daily.
Use an antibacterial cleanser daily.
Apply miconazole (Micatin) as directed.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

ANS: A, C, E

Eliminating the conditions that created the problem will decrease the occurrences. The skin
should be cleaned with a mild soap or cleansing agent daily, and the skin should be thoroughly
dried. Lotion should not be used because it traps moisture. Antifungal medications should be
used 7 to 14 days or until the fungal infection is completely cleared.
PTS: 1
DIF: Understand
MSC: Physiological Integrity

REF: 188

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning