Question

An APRN is caring for a 22 year old Hispanic female who states she has a history of staph infections. Over the past week she has been suffering from a painful rash underneath one of her armpits that started 3 days after shaving the area. Upon exam the APRN observes a raised, firm, tender lesion. These findings are most characteristic of which disorder?

Answer 1

The described symptoms are characteristic of folliculitis, a common infection of the hair follicles, likely caused by Staphylococcus aureus, especially given the patient's history of staph infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical presentation of a raised, firm, tender lesion under the armpit of a 22-year-old Hispanic female, who reports a painful rash appearing 3 days after shaving, is most characteristic of an infection known as folliculitis. This condition often occurs when hair follicles become damaged by friction or shaving and then infected, commonly by Staphylococcus bacteria. Folliculitis can manifest with clusters of small red bumps or pimples around hair follicles, pus-filled blisters, itchy, burning skin, and tender, swollen skin.

Given the patient's history of staph infections, it is plausible that the bacteria responsible for this condition is Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. The APRN should consider treatment options that may include topical or oral antibiotics to address the bacterial infection and advise on proper skin care and hygiene to prevent recurrence.