Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Practice Exam

Cutaneous anthrax lesions primarily occur in the arms and hands. This is due to the typical route of exposure, which often involves direct contact with contaminated materials, such as animal products or infected individuals. Given that the arms and hands are more commonly involved in these types of interactions, they are the areas where lesions are most frequently observed.

When cutaneous anthrax manifests, it initially presents as a small, raised bump or bruise-like area that then develops into a vesicular lesion. Over time, this lesion becomes ulcerated, forming a characteristic black necrotic eschar. Understanding the common sites of lesion development helps in recognizing the condition early, which is crucial for prompt treatment and management to prevent progression.

Although other areas such as the face, neck, back, and shoulders may occasionally be involved depending on exposure, the arms and hands remain the most common sites due to their greater exposure to contaminated materials in occupational or environmental settings.