When writing a plan of care for a patient with psoriasis, the nurse would know that an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient would be what?

Choice A rationale

"Impaired tissue integrity" is a broad term that could apply to many conditions. However, "related to epidermal shedding" is not a precise or accurate description of the underlying pathophysiology of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative disorder where the skin cells grow too quickly, leading to the accumulation of scales, not just shedding. The primary problem is the creation of new, abnormal tissue, not just the shedding of old.

Choice B rationale

While anxiety is a common psychological response to a chronic skin condition like psoriasis, the specific risk for melanoma is not a direct concern for a patient with psoriasis itself. Psoriasis does not increase the risk for melanoma. However, some treatments for psoriasis, like phototherapy, can increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers.

Choice C rationale

Acute pain related to blistering and erosions of the oral cavity is a more appropriate diagnosis for conditions like pemphigus vulgaris or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which are autoimmune blistering disorders. Psoriasis does not typically involve the formation of blisters or erosions in the oral cavity. The primary symptoms are plaques and scales, and pain is not usually a prominent feature unless the skin is cracked.

Choice D rationale

"Impaired skin integrity related to scaly lesions" is a highly appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient with psoriasis. The scaly plaques directly represent a disruption in the skin's normal protective barrier. This diagnosis accurately reflects the physical manifestations of the disease and allows for the development of interventions aimed at restoring and maintaining the integrity of the skin's surface. *.