The nurse provides discharge teaching to a patient with venous leg ulcers.
Which statement made by the patient indicates the need for further education?

Choice A rationale:

Purpura refers to purple or red discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath the skin. It is larger than petechiae and ecchymosis and could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Petechiae are small, red or purple dots that appear on the skin due to minor bleeding from broken capillaries. In the context of leukemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), petechiae are common due to impaired clotting mechanisms.

Choice B rationale:

Bruising occurs due to damage to blood vessels underneath the skin, resulting in the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues. Bruises are typically larger than petechiae and can occur with various conditions, including trauma. In this case, the small 1-mm red macules are more indicative of petechiae.

Choice D rationale:

Ecchymosis refers to a larger area of subcutaneous bleeding or bruising. It is larger than both petechiae and purpura and often results from more significant trauma or bleeding disorders. The description of multiple 1-mm red macules is characteristic of petechiae rather than ecchymosis.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Mexican Americans do not have higher rates of good blood pressure control compared to other populations.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Mexican Americans are not more likely to receive treatment for hypertension compared to other populations.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. While hypertension is prevalent among Mexican Americans, stating they have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world is inaccurate. The prevalence of hypertension is influenced by various factors and can vary across different regions globally.