Question

A patient presents to the clinic with raised, yellow-colored soft plaques on his finger. The lesions are sharply demarcated yellowish deposit on fingers. He has no known medical history. What should the nurse practitioner assess for next?

a. Perform a culture and sensitivity
b. Biopsy lesion
c. Order steroid topical ointment
d. Order a fasting lipid panel

Answer 1

The nurse practitioner should assess for the possibility of a lipid disorder and order a fasting lipid panel to determine the patient's cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse practitioner should assess for the possibility of a lipid disorder and order a fasting lipid panel.

The raised, yellow-colored soft plaques on the patient's finger could suggest the presence of a condition called xanthomas, which are deposits of cholesterol and other fats under the skin. Xanthomas can occur in people with lipid disorders, such as hyperlipidemia.

Ordering a fasting lipid panel will help determine the patient's cholesterol and triglyceride levels and provide information about their lipid profile, which can assist in diagnosing a lipid disorder.