The practical nurse (PN) applies a preparation with keratolytic properties to both legs of a client with psoriasis. Which finding indicates that the desired effect has been achieved?
Scaly areas of the skin appear softer with less peeling
No purulent drainage present from lesions on the legs
Affected areas are free of localized redness and swelling
Full range of motion without pain of lower extremity joints
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Keratolytic agents, like salicylic acid, break down keratin in psoriatic plaques, softening scaly skin and reducing peeling. This promotes shedding of thickened, dead skin cells, improving skin texture. Softer, less scaly skin directly indicates the medication’s effect on hyperkeratotic lesions, confirming therapeutic success.
Choice B reason: Absence of purulent drainage indicates no infection but is not the primary goal of keratolytics. These agents target scale reduction, not infection. Psoriasis lesions are typically not purulent, so this finding is unrelated to the medication’s intended effect on skin texture.
Choice C reason: Reduced redness and swelling suggest decreased inflammation, which is not the primary action of keratolytics. Anti-inflammatory agents, like corticosteroids, target these symptoms, while keratolytics focus on scale removal. This finding is irrelevant to the medication’s specific role in psoriasis management.
Choice D reason: Full range of motion without pain relates to joint function, possibly in psoriatic arthritis, but is unrelated to keratolytics, which treat skin lesions. Keratolytics do not affect joint inflammation or mobility, making this choice incorrect for assessing the medication’s skin-specific effects.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Tetracycline causes photosensitivity, increasing UV-induced skin damage risk due to its accumulation in skin cells, triggering photochemical reactions. Protecting skin with sunblock or clothing prevents severe sunburn or rash, making this critical instruction for safe use during chlamydia treatment.
Choice B reason: Taking tetracycline with meals or milk reduces absorption, as calcium and magnesium bind the drug, forming insoluble complexes. This decreases efficacy, making it incorrect. Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal bioavailability for infection treatment.
Choice C reason: Grapefruit juice affects drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, not tetracycline, which is not significantly influenced by this enzyme. This instruction is irrelevant, as tetracycline’s pharmacokinetics are unaffected by grapefruit, making it unnecessary for managing chlamydia treatment.
Choice D reason: Wearing tampons during menses is unrelated to tetracycline use. The drug treats bacterial infections, not menstrual management, and has no gynecological implications requiring tampon use. This choice is irrelevant to the medication’s administration or side effect profile.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Range of motion assesses muscle relaxant effectiveness, as these drugs, like cyclobenzaprine, reduce muscle spasms by acting on the central nervous system, relieving pain and improving mobility. Increased leg movement indicates reduced spasm and pain, directly reflecting the drug’s therapeutic action.
Choice B reason: Capillary refill evaluates perfusion, not muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxants target spasms, not vascular status. While pain may indirectly affect circulation, capillary refill does not measure the drug’s primary effect on muscle function, making this choice irrelevant.
Choice C reason: Dependent edema reflects fluid status, not muscle relaxant efficacy. These drugs reduce muscle tension, not swelling. Edema is unrelated to leg pain from spasms, and muscle relaxants do not affect fluid dynamics, making this choice inappropriate for assessment.
Choice D reason: Skin temperature may indicate inflammation or circulation but is not specific to muscle relaxant effects. These drugs alleviate spasms, improving mobility, not temperature. Range of motion directly measures spasm relief, making this choice less relevant for evaluating the medication’s impact.
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