Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Practice Exam

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by specific and recognizable skin lesions. The most typical presentation includes red plaques with silvery scales, which is caused by the rapid proliferation of skin cells leading to a buildup that forms the characteristic scaling. The red color is due to inflammation, while the silvery scales are the result of the excessive flaking of the epidermis.

The other options do not accurately represent psoriasis. Flat, blue lesions are more indicative of conditions like lichen planus. Brown patches with raised edges could suggest conditions like melanoma or other dermatological issues, while clear areas with no texture change may represent vitiligo or other forms of skin depigmentation. The distinctive features of red plaques with silvery scaling are essential for diagnosing psoriasis effectively.