The nurse is caring for a patient with psoriasis who is experiencing itching and discomfort. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to address the patient's symptoms?
Apply topical corticosteroids liberally to affected areas.
Encourage the patient to scratch the affected areas gently to relieve itching.
Administer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
Advise the patient to take frequent warm baths to soothe the skin.
The Correct Answer is A
Explanation: Applying topical corticosteroids to affected areas can help reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort associated with psoriasis. However, the nurse should ensure that the patient follows the prescribed dosage and instructions for the use of corticosteroids.
Incorrect choices: b. Encouraging the patient to scratch the affected areas gently is not appropriate, as scratching can exacerbate psoriasis and lead to skin damage and infection.
c. NSAIDs are not typically used to manage itching and discomfort in psoriasis. They may be prescribed for joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis, but they do not target the skin symptoms of psoriasis.
d. While warm baths can be soothing, frequent baths may actually dry out the skin and worsen psoriasis. Additionally, the water should be lukewarm rather than hot to avoid triggering flare-ups.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that results from an overactive immune response, leading to the rapid growth of skin cells. This causes red, raised, and scaly patches to form on the skin, which can be itchy and painful.
Incorrect choices: a. Psoriasis is not primarily an autoimmune disease affecting the respiratory system. It is primarily a skin condition, although it may be associated with certain autoimmune factors.
b. Psoriasis is not caused by a bacterial infection. It is a non-infectious skin disorder with an underlying immune-mediated mechanism.
d. Psoriasis is not a type of skin cancer. It is a benign skin condition that does not involve the malignant transformation of melanocytes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation: A skin biopsy is commonly performed to confirm the diagnosis of psoriasis. It involves taking a small sample of skin tissue from a psoriatic plaque and examining it under a microscope to identify the characteristic histological changes, such as hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and elongation of the rete ridges.
Incorrect choices: a. Skin patch testing for allergens: Patch testing is used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis, not psoriasis.
b. Chest X-ray to assess lung involvement: Chest X-rays are not necessary for the diagnosis of psoriasis, as it primarily affects the skin and joints, not the lungs.
c. Complete blood count (CBC) to assess white blood cell count: While a CBC may be performed to assess inflammation, it is not specific to psoriasis and cannot confirm the diagnosis. A skin biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis.
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