2. The nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with psoriasis. The nurse is creating
a teaching plan for the patient. What information should be included in the plan?
A) Caution when taking nonprescription medications
B) Explain that contact with others should be avoided
C) Frequently wash skin to prevent infection
D) Liberally apply corticosteroids as often as needed
Ans: A
Chapter: 56
Client Needs: A-1
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Nursing Process
Objective: 2
Page and Header: 1697, Psoriasis
Feedback: The patient should be cautioned about taking nonprescription medications because
some may aggravate mild psoriasis. Psoriasis is not contagious. Many patients need reassurance
that the condition is not infectious, not a reflection of poor personal hygiene, and not skin cancer.
Too-frequent washing of skin produces more soreness and scaling. Overuse of topical
corticosteroids can result in skin atrophy, striae, and medication resistance.
5. 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?
A) Impaired skin integrity related to scaly lesions
B) Acute pain of skin and oral cavity related to blistering and erosions
C) Impaired tissue integrity related to epidermal shedding
D) Anxiety and depression related to disfigurement
Ans: A
Chapter: 56
Client Needs: A-1
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Nursing Process
Objective: 3
Page and Header: 1694, Psoriasis
Feedback: The nursing assessment focuses on the appearance of the normal skin, the appearance
of the skin lesions, and how the patient is coping with the psoriatic skin condition. An
appropriate diagnosis for a patient with psoriasis would include Impaired skin integrity as it
relates to scaly lesions. Acute pain of the skin and oral cavity relates to the diagnosis of
pemphigus. Impaired tissue integrity related to epidermal shedding would be an important
nursing diagnosis for the disorder of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Anxiety and depression
related to disfigurement may be seen in the plan of care for a patient undergoing reconstructive
surgery.
