NCLEX-Style Questions
1. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin. Which of the following findings would require
immediate intervention?
A. Yellowing of the skin
B. Dry skin on the elbows
C. Flaking scalp skin
D. Freckles on the back
Answer: A. Yellowing of the skin
Rationale: Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) can indicate liver dysfunction and requires
immediate medical attention.
2. A patient with diabetes has a wound on their foot. What should the nurse prioritize in
the care plan?
A. Administering antibiotics
B. Regular foot inspections
C. Applying a moisturizer
D. Encouraging increased physical activity
Answer: B. Regular foot inspections
Rationale: Patients with diabetes are at high risk for foot ulcers. Regular foot inspections can
help catch any issues early.
3. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient with dry skin?
A. Frequent bathing
B. Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing
C. Using alcohol-based skin products
D. Encouraging a low-hydration diet
Answer: B. Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing
Rationale: Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing helps to trap moisture in the skin and
alleviate dryness.
4. The nurse is teaching a patient about skin cancer prevention. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will wear sunscreen even on cloudy days."
B. "I should avoid tanning beds."
,C. "I can get sunburned only in the summer."
D. "I should check my skin regularly for changes."
Answer: C. "I can get sunburned only in the summer."
Rationale: Sunburn can occur year-round, regardless of the season; therefore, this statement
indicates a misunderstanding.
5. A patient presents with hair loss. What is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Assess the patient's diet
B. Determine the duration of hair loss
C. Evaluate stress levels
D. Check for any recent illnesses
Answer: B. Determine the duration of hair loss
Rationale: Knowing how long the patient has experienced hair loss can help identify potential
causes and necessary interventions.
6. What does the nurse consider when assessing a patient’s nails for potential problems?
A. Nail polish application
B. Shape and color changes
C. Length of nails
D. Presence of cuticles
Answer: B. Shape and color changes
Rationale: Changes in the shape and color of nails can indicate underlying health issues, such as
nutritional deficiencies or systemic diseases.
7. A patient is diagnosed with psoriasis. Which treatment is most likely to be included in
their care plan?
A. Antifungal cream
B. Topical corticosteroids
C. Oral antibiotics
D. Antihistamines
Answer: B. Topical corticosteroids
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching
associated with psoriasis.
, 8. The nurse is performing a skin assessment. Which of the following findings would be
concerning?
A. Small, round, raised lesions
B. Smooth, shiny skin
C. Presence of a new mole
D. Uniformly colored birthmark
Answer: C. Presence of a new mole
Rationale: A new mole can be a sign of skin cancer and should be evaluated further.
9. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with fragile skin. Which intervention is best to
prevent skin tears?
A. Encourage frequent repositioning
B. Use adhesive tape for securing dressings
C. Apply lotion twice daily
D. Ensure adequate hydration
Answer: A. Encourage frequent repositioning
Rationale: Frequent repositioning helps prevent skin tears by reducing friction and shear forces
on the skin.
10. The nurse is teaching a group of patients about the effects of aging on the skin. Which
statement is true?
A. Skin becomes more elastic with age.
B. Sebaceous gland activity decreases with age.
C. There is an increase in melanocyte activity.
D. The skin becomes thicker with age.
Answer: B. Sebaceous gland activity decreases with age.
Rationale: As people age, sebaceous gland activity decreases, leading to drier skin.
11. A patient with eczema is experiencing intense itching. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Apply topical corticosteroids
B. Encourage the use of scented lotions
C. Instruct on proper hygiene practices
D. Assess for secondary infections
1. A nurse is assessing a patient's skin. Which of the following findings would require
immediate intervention?
A. Yellowing of the skin
B. Dry skin on the elbows
C. Flaking scalp skin
D. Freckles on the back
Answer: A. Yellowing of the skin
Rationale: Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) can indicate liver dysfunction and requires
immediate medical attention.
2. A patient with diabetes has a wound on their foot. What should the nurse prioritize in
the care plan?
A. Administering antibiotics
B. Regular foot inspections
C. Applying a moisturizer
D. Encouraging increased physical activity
Answer: B. Regular foot inspections
Rationale: Patients with diabetes are at high risk for foot ulcers. Regular foot inspections can
help catch any issues early.
3. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient with dry skin?
A. Frequent bathing
B. Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing
C. Using alcohol-based skin products
D. Encouraging a low-hydration diet
Answer: B. Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing
Rationale: Applying a thick moisturizer after bathing helps to trap moisture in the skin and
alleviate dryness.
4. The nurse is teaching a patient about skin cancer prevention. Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will wear sunscreen even on cloudy days."
B. "I should avoid tanning beds."
,C. "I can get sunburned only in the summer."
D. "I should check my skin regularly for changes."
Answer: C. "I can get sunburned only in the summer."
Rationale: Sunburn can occur year-round, regardless of the season; therefore, this statement
indicates a misunderstanding.
5. A patient presents with hair loss. What is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Assess the patient's diet
B. Determine the duration of hair loss
C. Evaluate stress levels
D. Check for any recent illnesses
Answer: B. Determine the duration of hair loss
Rationale: Knowing how long the patient has experienced hair loss can help identify potential
causes and necessary interventions.
6. What does the nurse consider when assessing a patient’s nails for potential problems?
A. Nail polish application
B. Shape and color changes
C. Length of nails
D. Presence of cuticles
Answer: B. Shape and color changes
Rationale: Changes in the shape and color of nails can indicate underlying health issues, such as
nutritional deficiencies or systemic diseases.
7. A patient is diagnosed with psoriasis. Which treatment is most likely to be included in
their care plan?
A. Antifungal cream
B. Topical corticosteroids
C. Oral antibiotics
D. Antihistamines
Answer: B. Topical corticosteroids
Rationale: Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching
associated with psoriasis.
, 8. The nurse is performing a skin assessment. Which of the following findings would be
concerning?
A. Small, round, raised lesions
B. Smooth, shiny skin
C. Presence of a new mole
D. Uniformly colored birthmark
Answer: C. Presence of a new mole
Rationale: A new mole can be a sign of skin cancer and should be evaluated further.
9. A nurse is caring for an elderly patient with fragile skin. Which intervention is best to
prevent skin tears?
A. Encourage frequent repositioning
B. Use adhesive tape for securing dressings
C. Apply lotion twice daily
D. Ensure adequate hydration
Answer: A. Encourage frequent repositioning
Rationale: Frequent repositioning helps prevent skin tears by reducing friction and shear forces
on the skin.
10. The nurse is teaching a group of patients about the effects of aging on the skin. Which
statement is true?
A. Skin becomes more elastic with age.
B. Sebaceous gland activity decreases with age.
C. There is an increase in melanocyte activity.
D. The skin becomes thicker with age.
Answer: B. Sebaceous gland activity decreases with age.
Rationale: As people age, sebaceous gland activity decreases, leading to drier skin.
11. A patient with eczema is experiencing intense itching. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Apply topical corticosteroids
B. Encourage the use of scented lotions
C. Instruct on proper hygiene practices
D. Assess for secondary infections
