C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G A N D H E A LT H S C I E N C E S
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NSG-3280 - Medical Surgical Nursing II
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank: Exam 2 - Dermatology & Respiratory Disorders
Question 1
The nurse is teaching a patient about herpes simplex virus (HSV). Which statement
accurately describes the etiology of HSV?
A. HSV is caused by a fungal organism that penetrates the stratum corneum
B. HSV is transmitted by contact with skin and mucous membranes and persists in latent
form in the trigeminal nerve and other ganglia
C. HSV is an autoimmune disorder triggered by environmental allergens
D. HSV is caused by a tick-borne rickettsia that enters the bloodstream
CORRECT ANSWER
B. HSV is transmitted by contact with skin and mucous membranes and persists in
latent form in the trigeminal nerve and other ganglia
RATIONALE
Herpes simplex virus establishes latency in sensory nerve ganglia (trigeminal for HSV-1, sacral for
HSV-2). The virus is transmitted via direct contact with infected secretions or lesions. There is no
cure, and reactivation can be triggered by stress, illness, or immunosuppression.
, Question 2
A patient presents with cluster of fluid-filled blisters on an erythematous base, localized
unilaterally along the mid-torso. The patient reports significant pain. Which condition is
most likely?
A. Herpes simplex virus type 1
B. Tinea corporis
C. Herpes zoster (shingles)
D. Impetigo
CORRECT ANSWER C. Herpes zoster (shingles)
RATIONALE
Herpes zoster (shingles) presents as a unilateral, dermatomal distribution of vesicular lesions on
an erythematous base, often accompanied by severe pain (postherpetic neuralgia). It results from
reactivation of varicella-zoster virus dormant in dorsal root ganglia.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a child with honey-colored crusted lesions on the face. The lesions
began as vesicles that ruptured. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tinea capitis
B. Atopic dermatitis
C. Impetigo
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
CORRECT ANSWER C. Impetigo
RATIONALE
Impetigo, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, is highly
contagious and presents with vesicles or bullae that rupture to form characteristic golden honey-
colored crusts. It is most common in children.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
NSG-3280 - Medical Surgical Nursing II
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank: Exam 2 - Dermatology & Respiratory Disorders
Question 1
The nurse is teaching a patient about herpes simplex virus (HSV). Which statement
accurately describes the etiology of HSV?
A. HSV is caused by a fungal organism that penetrates the stratum corneum
B. HSV is transmitted by contact with skin and mucous membranes and persists in latent
form in the trigeminal nerve and other ganglia
C. HSV is an autoimmune disorder triggered by environmental allergens
D. HSV is caused by a tick-borne rickettsia that enters the bloodstream
CORRECT ANSWER
B. HSV is transmitted by contact with skin and mucous membranes and persists in
latent form in the trigeminal nerve and other ganglia
RATIONALE
Herpes simplex virus establishes latency in sensory nerve ganglia (trigeminal for HSV-1, sacral for
HSV-2). The virus is transmitted via direct contact with infected secretions or lesions. There is no
cure, and reactivation can be triggered by stress, illness, or immunosuppression.
, Question 2
A patient presents with cluster of fluid-filled blisters on an erythematous base, localized
unilaterally along the mid-torso. The patient reports significant pain. Which condition is
most likely?
A. Herpes simplex virus type 1
B. Tinea corporis
C. Herpes zoster (shingles)
D. Impetigo
CORRECT ANSWER C. Herpes zoster (shingles)
RATIONALE
Herpes zoster (shingles) presents as a unilateral, dermatomal distribution of vesicular lesions on
an erythematous base, often accompanied by severe pain (postherpetic neuralgia). It results from
reactivation of varicella-zoster virus dormant in dorsal root ganglia.
Question 3
A nurse is assessing a child with honey-colored crusted lesions on the face. The lesions
began as vesicles that ruptured. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Tinea capitis
B. Atopic dermatitis
C. Impetigo
D. Seborrheic dermatitis
CORRECT ANSWER C. Impetigo
RATIONALE
Impetigo, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, is highly
contagious and presents with vesicles or bullae that rupture to form characteristic golden honey-
colored crusts. It is most common in children.
