Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the epidermis is avascular and how it receives nutrients?

Accepted Answer

The epidermis is avascular and receives nutrients by diffusion from blood vessels in the dermis.

Question 2

A patient presents with a wound that is red, swollen, and painful, but there are no blisters. Which layer(s) of the skin are affected, and what is the expected healing time?

Accepted Answer

Epidermis only; heals in 3-5 days without scarring.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches the skin gland with its secretion and primary function?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland — sebum — lubricates and waterproofs skin and hair

Question 4

A 30-year-old patient has a burn that is dry, white, and leathery, with no pain in the affected area. According to the Rule of Nines, both legs and the perineum are involved. What percentage of body surface area is burned, and why is there no pain?

Accepted Answer

$$37\%$$; pain is absent because nerve endings in the dermis are destroyed.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of Langerhans cells in the epidermis?

Accepted Answer

They act as immune cells, engulfing pathogens and presenting antigens.

Question 6

A patient with a history of sun exposure presents with a firm, red nodule on the back of the hand that has not healed for several months. Biopsy reveals abnormal keratinocytes in the stratum spinosum. What type of skin cancer is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 7

Which of the following is a direct result of the skin's role in thermoregulation when the body is exposed to cold temperatures?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessels in the dermis constrict to conserve heat.

Question 8

A patient with albinism is at increased risk for which of the following, and why?

Accepted Answer

UV-induced DNA damage, due to lack of melanin production

Question 9

Which of the following correctly identifies the order of the five epidermal layers in thick skin, from deepest to most superficial?

Accepted Answer

Stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, stratum corneum

Question 10

A patient presents with yellowish skin, but their sclera (whites of the eyes) are not affected. They report eating large amounts of carrots and sweet potatoes. Which pigment is responsible for this skin color change?

Accepted Answer

Carotene

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why elderly individuals are at increased risk for heat stroke during hot weather?

Accepted Answer

They have decreased sweat gland activity, impairing thermoregulation.

Question 12

A nurse is assessing a wound that is in the proliferation phase of healing. Which process is most active during this phase?

Accepted Answer

Fibroblast activity producing collagen and new blood vessel formation

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between thick and thin skin?

Accepted Answer

Thick skin contains all five epidermal layers, including the stratum lucidum.

Question 14

A patient with a genetic disorder has no functional melanocytes. Which of the following is a likely clinical finding?

Accepted Answer

Pale skin and increased sensitivity to sunlight

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the arrector pili muscle?

Accepted Answer

Contracts to make hair stand up, causing goosebumps

Question 16

A patient presents with a mole that is asymmetrical, has irregular borders, multiple colors, and is 8mm in diameter. According to the ABCDE rule, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient urgently to a dermatologist for evaluation.

Question 17

Which of the following is a metabolic function of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Synthesis of vitamin D precursor upon exposure to UV light

Question 18

A patient with a wound that has formed a raised, thick scar is most likely experiencing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Keloid formation due to overproduction of collagen

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why the stratum corneum is an effective barrier against water loss?

Accepted Answer

It is composed of dead, keratin-filled cells and lipids from lamellar granules.

Question 20

A patient with cyanosis is most likely experiencing which of the following physiological changes?

Accepted Answer

Decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin in dermal blood vessels

The Integumentary System: Complete Study Guide (BIOL 2401, Collin College)

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