Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

When considering the treatment for eczema, what symptom is typically observed?

1. Thickened, leathery skin

2. Moist exudative patches

3. Dry, scaly lesions

4. Reddened and vesicular patches

The correct answer is: Reddened and vesicular patches

In the context of eczema, one of the hallmark symptoms observed is the presence of reddened and vesicular patches. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, commonly manifests with inflamed, itchy skin that can develop into small blisters or vesicles. When these vesicles rupture, they may become even more inflamed and lead to oozing and crusting. The characteristics of the lesions in eczema can vary throughout the duration of the condition and depend on factors such as the stage of the flare-up and the location on the body. The acute phase is often marked by red, inflamed, and vesicular patches which can cause significant discomfort due to itching. The presence of vesicles indicates a specific inflammatory response typical of eczema, reinforcing the connection between the symptom and the diagnosis. In contrast, while other symptoms like thickened, leathery skin or dry, scaly lesions can be associated with eczema, particularly in chronic cases, they do not represent the typical initial presentation of the condition. Similarly, moist exudative patches may be seen in other skin conditions or as a secondary symptom following the rupture of vesicles but are not the primary manifestation in the case of eczema as described.