A client admitted with an acute exacerbation of Ménière's disease asks the student nurse why he was prescribed diphenhydramine. Which response by the student nurse requires correction by the primary nurse?

Choice A Reason: A virus is not detected by the KOH test, which is used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails. A virus can be detected by other tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture.

Choice B Reason: A fungal infection is detected by the KOH test, which dissolves the skin cells and leaves behind the fungal elements that can be seen under a microscope. A fungal infection can cause symptoms such as itching, scaling, redness, or blisters.

Choice C Reason: A bacterial infection is not detected by the KOH test, which is specific for fungi. A bacterial infection can be detected by other tests, such as gram stain or culture.

Choice D Reason: Cancer is not detected by the KOH test, which is not a screening tool for malignancy. Cancer can be detected by other tests, such as biopsy or imaging.

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a blister-like pustule on the face that oozes clear fluid may indicate impetigo, which is a bacterial skin infection, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from the basal layer of the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not blistered or pustular, but rather smooth, shiny, or waxy.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a dark brown lesion that is flat may indicate a mole, which is a benign growth of melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment, not basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are usually not dark brown or flat, but rather flesh-colored, pink, or red, and may have a raised or indented center.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because a small scaly, dry lesion on the elbow may indicate basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma lesions are often small, scaly, and dry, and may bleed or crust over. They can occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because location on the top of the head where exposed frequently to sunlight may indicate squamous cell carcinoma, which is another type of skin cancer that arises from the squamous layer of the epidermis, not basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma lesions are usually rough, scaly, or crusted, and may have a firm or hard texture. They can also occur anywhere on the body, but are more common on areas that are exposed to the sun.