NCLEX Questions Integumentary System
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Question 1 of 5.
After touching a hot oven grate, the client telephones the ED asking for advice for the singed fingers. Which initial statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Wrap ice in a washcloth and put it on the burn area.
B. Come to the ED so a doctor can assess your fingers.
C. Run cool water over the burned area on your fingers.
D. Apply an antibiotic skin ointment to prevent infection.
Explanation: Ice causes vasoconstriction and can worsen the tissue damage. The nurse should collect additional information before advising that the client be seen in the ED. A first-degree burn ordinarily does not require medical care. Cool water will minimize skin redness, pain, and swelling and limit tissue damage. Applying a skin ointment as an initial intervention can trap heat in the tissues; if it has an oily base, it can prevent healing.
Question 2 of 5.
The intensive care unit (ICU) burn nurse is developing a nursing care plan for a client with severe full-thickness and deep partial-thickness burns over half the body. Which client problem has priority?
A. High risk for infection.
B. Ineffective coping.
C. Impaired physical mobility.
D. Knowledge deficit.
Explanation: Extensive burns increase infection risk due to loss of skin barrier; this is the priority. Coping, mobility, and knowledge are secondary in acute burn care.
Question 3 of 5.
The client is being discharged after being in the burn unit for six (6) weeks. Which strategies should the nurse identify to promote the client's mental health?
A. Encourage the client to stay at home as much as possible.
B. Discuss the importance of not relying on the family for needs.
C. Tell the client to remember that changes in lifestyle take time.
D. Instruct the client to discuss feelings only with the therapist.
Explanation: Acknowledging lifestyle changes promotes mental health by fostering realistic expectations. Isolation, independence from family, or limiting discussions hinder recovery.
Question 4 of 5.
The wound care nurse documented a client's pressure ulcers on admission as 3.3 cm × 4 cm stage II on the coccyx. Which information would alert the nurse that the client's pressure ulcer is getting worse?
A. The skin is not broken and is 2.5 cm × 3.5 cm with erythema that does not blanch.
B. There is a 3.2-cm × 4.1-cm blister that is red and drains occasionally.
C. The skin covering the coccyx is intact but the client complains of pain in the area.
D. The coccyx wound extends to the subcutaneous layer and there is drainage.
Explanation: Extension to the subcutaneous layer with drainage indicates progression to stage III or IV, worsening the ulcer. Smaller size, blisters, or pain are less severe.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with stage IV infected pressure ulcers on the coccyx is scheduled for a fecal diversion operation. The nurse knows that client teaching has been effective when the client makes which statement?
A. This surgery will create a skin flap to cover my wounds.'
B. This surgery will get all the old black tissue out of the wound so it can heal.'
C. The surgery is important to allow oxygen to get to the tissue for healing to occur.'
D. Stool will come out an opening in my abdomen so it won't get in the sore.'
Explanation: Fecal diversion (colostomy) prevents stool contamination of coccyx ulcers, aiding healing. Skin flaps, debridement, and oxygen delivery are unrelated to this surgery.