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

Xerosis is characterized by which of the following?

1. Dry skin

2. A harmful skin infection

3. A nail fungus

4. An ingrown nail condition

The correct answer is: Dry skin

Xerosis is specifically defined as abnormally dry skin. This condition often results from a lack of moisture in the skin and can be influenced by various factors such as environmental conditions, aging, or underlying health issues. Individuals with xerosis may experience symptoms such as flakiness, itchiness, and rough texture, which make the condition quite distinguishable. In contrast, the other choices refer to different skin and nail issues that are not related to dryness. For instance, a harmful skin infection typically involves pathogens that cause inflammation and may lead to symptoms like redness, warmth, and pain. A nail fungus is a fungal infection affecting the nails, usually leading to discoloration, thickening, and possibly deterioration of the nail structure. An ingrown nail condition occurs when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Thus, these alternatives do not describe the characteristics of xerosis, reinforcing that dry skin accurately captures the essence of this condition.