Assessment Abnormalities

Question 1

What is alopecia?

Answer 1

Hair loss (local or general)

Alopecia can be caused by heredity, stress, or certain medical conditions.

Question 2

Define angioma.

Answer 2

Tumor consisting of blood or lymph vessels

Angiomas can appear as red or purple spots on the skin.

Question 3

What does carotenemia refer to?

Answer 3

Yellow discoloration of skin, no yellowing of sclerae, most noticeable on palms and soles

Carotenemia is often caused by excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods.

Question 4

What is a comedo?

Answer 4

Enlarged hair follicle plugged with sebum, bacteria, and skin cells; can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead)

Comedones are commonly associated with acne.

Question 5

What is cyanosis?

Answer 5

Slightly bluish-gray or dark purple discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by excess amounts of reduced hemoglobin in capillaries

Cyanosis can indicate respiratory or circulatory problems.

Question 6

Define cyst.

Answer 6

Sac containing fluid or semisolid material

Cysts can form in various parts of the body and may require medical evaluation.

Question 7

What does ecchymosis indicate?

Answer 7

Large, bruise-like lesion caused by collection of extravascular blood in dermis and subcutaneous tissue

Ecchymosis is often associated with trauma or bleeding disorders.

Question 8

What is erythema?

Answer 8

Redness occurring in patches of variable size and shape

Erythema can result from inflammation, infection, or allergic reactions.

Question 9

What is a hematoma?

Answer 9

Extravasation of blood of enough size to cause visible swelling

Hematomas often occur due to injury or trauma.

Question 10

Define hirsutism.

Answer 10

Male distribution of hair in women

Hirsutism can be caused by hormonal imbalances or certain medical conditions.

Question 11

What does hypopigmentation refer to?

Answer 11

Loss of pigmentation resulting in lighter patches than the normal skin

Hypopigmentation can be caused by various factors including genetics and skin conditions.

Question 12

What is intertrigo?

Answer 12

Dermatitis of overlying surfaces of the skin

Intertrigo is often exacerbated by moisture and friction.

Question 13

What is jaundice?

Answer 13

Yellow (in white patients) or yellowish-brown (in dark-skinned patients) discoloration of the skin, best seen in the sclera, due to increased bilirubin in the blood

Jaundice can indicate liver disease or hemolysis.

Question 14

What are keloids?

Answer 14

Hypertrophied scar beyond wound margins

Keloids can form after injury and are more common in certain skin types.

Question 15

Define lichenification.

Answer 15

Thickening of the skin with accentuated normal skin markings

Lichenification often results from chronic scratching or irritation.

Question 16

What is a mole (nevus)?

Answer 16

Benign overgrowth of melanocytes

Moles can vary in size and color and are usually harmless.

Question 17

What are petechiae?

Answer 17

Pinpoint, discrete deposits of blood <1-2 mm in the extravascular tissues and visible through the skin or mucous membrane

Petechiae can indicate bleeding disorders or infections.

Question 18

What does telangiectasia refer to?

Answer 18

Visibly dilated, superficial, small blood vessels, often found on face and thighs

Telangiectasia can be associated with various conditions, including rosacea.

Question 19

What is tenting?

Answer 19

Failure of skin to return immediately to normal position after gentle pinching

Tenting can indicate dehydration.

Question 20

Define varicosity.

Answer 20

Increased prominence of superficial veins

Varicosity is often seen in the lower limbs and can be caused by venous insufficiency.

Question 21

What is vitiligo?

Answer 21

Complete absence of melanin (pigment) resulting in chalky-white patch

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition affecting skin pigmentation.