How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Ulceration on the medial surface of the lower legs.

Brownish skin discoloration on the lower legs.

Edema in the lower legs.

Purple rash on the medial surface of the lower legs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Ulceration on the medial surface of the lower legs is not the best description of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). While ulcers can occur in severe cases, they are not the primary characteristic of stasis dermatitis.
Choice B rationale
Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous stasis dermatitis, is a skin inflammation that occurs in people with poor circulation. It most often happens in the lower legs because that’s where blood typically collects. When blood pools in the veins of the lower leg, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including a brownish skin discoloration on the lower legs. This discoloration is caused by the leakage of red blood cells into the skin due to increased pressure in the veins.
Choice C rationale
While edema in the lower legs can be a symptom of PVD and may accompany stasis dermatitis, it is not the best description of the condition. Edema is a general symptom that can occur in many conditions and is not specific to stasis dermatitis.
Choice D rationale
A purple rash on the medial surface of the lower legs is not a typical symptom of stasis dermatitis. While the skin may become discolored, it is usually a brownish color rather than purple.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice B rationale
An Atrioventricular Canal (AVC) defect is a combination of heart problems resulting in a defect in the center of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice C rationale
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition characterized by four anatomical abnormalities of the heart. It is the most common cyanotic heart defect and the most common cause of blue baby syndrome. Cyanosis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, is often seen during periods of activity, such as feeding or crying.
Choice D rationale
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart (atria). While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.

A. A 39-year-old patient who has right calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride B. A 58-year-old patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools C. A 67-year-old patient who has a gangrenous foot ulcer with a weak pedal pulse D. A 50-year-old patient who is reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain .

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While calf tenderness and swelling after a plane ride could potentially indicate a deep vein thrombosis, this condition is not immediately life-threatening in most cases. The patient would need evaluation and treatment, but other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice B rationale
A patient taking anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation who has black stools could potentially have gastrointestinal bleeding, which would need evaluation. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice C rationale
A patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse would need evaluation and treatment. However, this condition might not be immediately life-threatening, and other patients might have more urgent needs14.
Choice D rationale
A patient reporting sudden sharp and severe upper back pain could potentially have an aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first14.

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How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A newborn frequently experiences cyanosis, typically during crying or after feeding. Which cardiac diagnosis is supported by this history?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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