Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What is a common skin condition associated with venous dermatitis?

1. Acne

2. Scaling and weeping

3. Psoriasis

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Scaling and weeping

The choice indicating scaling and weeping is correct because these symptoms are characteristic of venous dermatitis. Venous dermatitis results from chronic venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing increased pressure. This pressure can lead to skin changes, including the accumulation of fluid in the tissue (edema), resulting in scaling, redness, and weeping due to oozing from the skin as it becomes inflamed. In contrast, acne is a condition primarily associated with the sebaceous glands and does not relate to venous insufficiency. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to thick, red, scaly patches, but its pathophysiology is different from venous dermatitis. Eczema is a more general term for conditions characterized by inflammation and is not exclusively associated with the venous system or the specific symptoms of scaling and weeping. Therefore, guiding your understanding of venous dermatitis revolves around recognizing the specific symptoms it presents, particularly scaling and weeping, which stem from the underlying venous issues.