Question

A medical assistant is examining the skin on a patients forearm where the patient reports developing a rash. The assistant notes multiple solid elevations that are less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should he use to document his observation in the patients medical record?

1) Bullae
2) Papules
3) Vesicles
4) Nodules

Answer 1

The correct term to document the observed solid elevations less than 0.5 cm in diameter on a patient's skin is papules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medical assistant examining a patient's forearm with multiple solid elevations less than 0.5 cm in diameter should use the term papules to document the observation in the patient's medical record. Papules are small, elevated lesions on the skin that are less than 0.5 cm in diameter. The other terms listed refer to other types of lesions: bullae are large fluid-filled blisters (at least 5 mm in diameter), vesicles are small fluid-filled blisters, and nodules are larger solid elevations of the skin that are usually more than 0.5 cm in diameter.