A fissure is best described as a:
Slightly elevated lesion with a flat surface.
Thin-walled, fluid-filled lesion.
Small and firm lesion of the skin.
Linear crack in skin tissue.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Slightly elevated lesion with a flat surface is incorrect because this describes either a macule (flat, non-palpable) or a papule (slightly raised). These lesions are superficial changes in skin appearance or texture but do not involve a break or split in the epidermis. Fissures, in contrast, are actual linear breaks in the skin.
B. Thin-walled, fluid-filled lesion is incorrect because this describes a vesicle or blister. Vesicles are elevated lesions filled with serous fluid, often seen in conditions like herpes simplex or chickenpox. Fissures do not contain fluid and are instead cracks or splits that can expose underlying layers of the skin.
C. Small and firm lesion of the skin is incorrect because this describes a papule, which is a solid, raised lesion that may be seen in acne, dermatitis, or other dermatologic conditions. Papules are not breaks in the skin and do not resemble the linear crack characteristic of a fissure.
D. Linear crack in skin tissue is correct because a fissure is a narrow, deep tear or split in the epidermis that may extend into the dermis. Fissures often occur in areas of dry, thickened, or stretched skin, such as the heels, fingertips, or corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis). They are typically painful, especially when the affected area is stretched or subjected to pressure. Unlike ulcers, which are broader and often associated with tissue loss, or erosions, which are shallow, fissures are distinct for their linear shape and sharp edges. They can serve as entry points for infection if not properly managed and often require moisturizing, protective dressings, or treatment of underlying causes like fungal infection or chronic dryness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increased oxygen delivery to the tissues is incorrect because increased oxygen delivery does not inherently increase infection risk; in fact, adequate tissue oxygenation can support immune function and healing.
B. Decreased body temperature is incorrect because while severe burns may cause thermoregulatory issues, hypothermia itself is not the primary reason for increased infection risk. Infection is more directly related to the loss of skin integrity.
C. Increased production of white blood cells is incorrect because leukocytosis (increased white blood cells) occurs as part of the inflammatory response, but it does not prevent infection. Even with elevated WBC counts, the body is more vulnerable if the skin barrier is compromised.
D. Loss of the protective skin barrier is correct because the skin is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Burns destroy this barrier, leaving underlying tissues exposed to bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This makes burn patients highly susceptible to local wound infections, sepsis, and systemic infections. Proper wound care, aseptic techniques, and sometimes prophylactic antibiotics are critical in managing this risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Pulmonary embolism is correct because a blood clot from a deep vein in the leg or pelvis can dislodge, travel through the venous system, and block a pulmonary artery. This is a life-threatening complication of DVT that can lead to sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, tachycardia, hypoxia, and, in severe cases, death. Pulmonary embolism is the most serious and immediate risk associated with untreated or poorly managed DVT.
B. Hypertension is incorrect because DVT does not directly cause high blood pressure. Hypertension is primarily a disorder of arterial blood pressure regulation, unrelated to venous clot formation.
C. Aortic aneurysm is incorrect because an aortic aneurysm is a dilation of the aorta due to vessel wall weakness, often related to atherosclerosis or genetic factors, and is not a complication of DVT.
D. Anemia is incorrect because anemia involves a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin. While DVT may cause minor blood loss during some procedures, anemia is not a direct complication of venous thrombosis.
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