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CHAPTER 6. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
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A PTA inspects and palpates the skin of a patient with peripheral vascular disease. The clinician notices a dark purplish-blue discoloration of the skin. This finding may indicate which of the following?
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A. Normal response to pressure on the skin
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B. Reflex vasoconstriction due to cold response
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C. Pathology involving the liver
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D. Tissue hypoxia or hematologic pathology
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The answer is D. A dark bluish or purplish discoloration of the integument and mucous membranes is termed cyanosis and may indicate hypoxia or hematologic pathology.
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On observation, a PTA notes yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera. What medical question is most appropriate to identify a possible underlying pathology based on the observation?
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A. Have you previously experienced difficulty in breathing or other problems affecting your lungs or respiration?
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B. Have you experienced instances where you feel that your heart is racing and your pulse is fast?
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C. Have you been diagnosed with or been told that you have a liver problem?
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D. Do you have any difficulty urinating?
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The answer is C. Jaundice, or yellowish discoloration of the skin, may indicate an underlying liver pathology.
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Which of the following statements is true regarding checking the nail bed for possible pathology?
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A. Finger clubbing is a normal age-related change affecting the nails.
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B. Normal nail bases should look convex and create an oval-shaped space when nails of opposite hands are placed together.
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C. Finger clubbing refers to an increased angle between the fingernail and where the nail enters the skin.
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D. Abnormalities seen on the nail beds are not sensitive tests to indicate any systemic pathology.
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The answer is C. Finger clubbing refers to an increased angle between the fingernail and where the nails enter the skin and may indicate chronic tissue hypoxia.
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A PTA notes a solid, elevated, sharply circumscribed, small (1 cm) colored lesion (pink, tan, red, or any variation) on the patient’s lower extremities. Which of the following is the appropriate term to denote this lesion?
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