Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Full-length
When examining an 80-year-old client with chronic COPD receiving home health care, the nurse notes that over the previous 48 hours the client has developed scattered painful pustular lesions on the right arm near the elbow (see photo), on the back of the neck, the face, and on both legs. Which of the following does the nurse suspect is the most likely cause of the lesions?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Painful pustular lesions in a client with chronic illness suggest MRSA (C), a common healthcare-associated infection. Psoriasis (A) presents with scaly plaques, herpes zoster (B) follows a dermatomal pattern, and contact dermatitis (D) is typically itchy, not pustular.