The nurse must check vital signs on a 2-year-old boy who is brought to the clinic for his 24-month checkup. Which criteria should the nurse use in determining the appropriate-size blood pressure cuff?

The correct answer is choice B: Lesions may extend to hairline or neck.

Choice A rationale:

Central clearing is not a prominent indicator of Tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, commonly caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton species. The characteristic features include scaling, erythema, pustules, and hair loss. Unlike some other fungal infections, Tinea capitis does not typically have central clearing.

Choice B rationale:

Lesions extending to the hairline or neck is a correct aspect to include in education about Tinea capitis. The infection usually starts as small, scaly patches on the scalp and can progress to larger areas. It can extend to the hairline, neck, and even eyebrows and eyelashes. This is important information to convey to ensure proper recognition and timely treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Transmission of Tinea capitis mostly occurs from human-to-human rather than from dogs. While some animals can carry fungal infections that affect the skin, Tinea capitis is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects like combs, hats, and pillows.

Choice D rationale:

The appearance of Tinea capitis is not usually unilateral. This condition often presents with multiple, scattered areas of involvement on the scalp. It can cause varying degrees of inflammation, scaling, and hair loss in different areas, which may not follow a unilateral pattern.

The correct answer is choice B. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?".

Choice A rationale:

Using the adolescent's own words in correct medical terminology to determine the problem is essential for accurate documentation, but it might not be the initial step in determining the chief complaint. The approach in choice B provides an opportunity for the adolescent to express their primary concern in their own terms.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?" allows them to voice their main reason for the visit in their own words. This approach respects their autonomy and encourages open communication. It also helps to identify the primary issue from the adolescent's perspective.

Choice C rationale:

While asking for a detailed listing of symptoms is important for a comprehensive health history, it might not be the best way to initially determine the chief complaint. This approach could potentially overwhelm the patient and miss the opportunity for them to express their primary concern.

Choice D rationale:

Interviewing the parent away from the adolescent might be necessary in certain situations, but it is not the best method for determining the adolescent's chief complaint. The adolescent's input is crucial for understanding their own health concerns and developing a patient-centered approach.