The nurse is educating a patient with psoriasis about skin care to manage the condition. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Explanation: Auspitz sign is a characteristic finding in psoriasis where pinpoint bleeding occurs when scales on the skin are removed. It is caused by the rapid growth and shedding of skin cells, which leads to the formation of delicate blood vessels that bleed easily.

Incorrect choices: a. Auspitz sign is not related to increased bleeding tendency in the patient; it is specific to psoriasis and its characteristic skin changes.

b. Presence of skin pustules and blisters is not associated with Auspitz sign and may indicate other skin conditions.

c. Formation of deep fissures in the skin is not directly related to Auspitz sign, which focuses on the bleeding after scale removal.

Explanation: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce the risk of exacerbations.

Incorrect choices: a. "Maintain a healthy diet, including foods high in sugar and saturated fats." - While a healthy diet is beneficial for overall health, there is no specific evidence that links certain foods to psoriasis flare-ups.

c. "Exposure to cold weather can help improve psoriasis symptoms." - Cold weather may actually exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, as dry and cold conditions can lead to skin dryness and irritation.

d. "Regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizers to prevent infections." - Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out the skin and may irritate psoriasis lesions. It is better to use gentle, non-irritating handwashing techniques.