Integumentary System – 30 NCLEX-Style Questions (Quizizz Format)

Irregular mole with uneven color—priority action?

• Document findings

• Reassure patient

• Notify provider

• Reassess in 6 months

Answer explanation

An irregular mole with uneven color may indicate potential malignancy. The priority action is to notify the provider for further evaluation, as timely intervention is crucial in such cases.

Which layer prevents dehydration?

• Epidermis

• Dermis

• Hypodermis

• Stratum basale

Answer explanation

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and acts as a barrier to prevent water loss, thus protecting against dehydration. It contains keratin, which helps retain moisture.

Which is not a skin function?

• Vitamin D synthesis

• Sensory organ

• Electrolyte balance

• RBC production

Answer explanation

RBC production is not a function of the skin. The skin is involved in vitamin D synthesis, acts as a sensory organ, and helps maintain electrolyte balance, but it does not produce red blood cells.

Yellow discoloration of skin/sclera indicates?

• Cyanosis

• Jaundice

• Pallor

• Erythema

Answer explanation

Yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera is a classic sign of jaundice, which occurs due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Cyanosis indicates lack of oxygen, pallor refers to paleness, and erythema is redness.

(SATA) Normal skin findings:

• Warm, dry

• Cap refill <3 sec

• Tent

• Cyanosis

• No edema

Answer explanation

Normal skin findings include being warm and dry, with capillary refill less than 3 seconds and no edema. Tent and cyanosis indicate abnormal findings, making the correct choices warm, dry, cap refill <3 sec, and no edema.

Sign of dehydration?

• Tenting

• Moist skin

• Rapid cap refill

• Warmth

Answer explanation

Tenting is a sign of dehydration where the skin loses elasticity and remains elevated when pinched. In contrast, moist skin, rapid cap refill, and warmth indicate hydration or good circulation.

Priority finding?

• Ecchymosis

• Petechiae

Answer explanation

Petechiae are small, pinpoint hemorrhages that indicate bleeding under the skin, often a priority finding in conditions like thrombocytopenia. Ecchymosis refers to larger bruises and is less critical in this context.

Cyanotic lips—first action?

• Give fluids

• Assess O2 saturation

• Notify provider

• Document

Answer explanation

Assessing O2 saturation is crucial when encountering cyanotic lips, as it helps determine the severity of hypoxia and guides further interventions. This step is essential before administering fluids or notifying the provider.

Diaphoretic cool skin suggests?

• Shock

• Fever

• Dehydration

• Sunburn

Answer explanation

Diaphoretic cool skin is a sign of shock, indicating poor circulation and inadequate blood flow. In contrast, fever typically presents with warm skin, while dehydration and sunburn have different skin characteristics.

How to assess cap refill?

• Pinch skin

• Press nailbed

• Tap wrist

• Palpate pulse

Answer explanation

To assess capillary refill, press the nailbed until it blanches, then release. The time it takes for color to return indicates blood flow; this is the standard method for evaluating cap refill.