All the following are true about Eczema EXCEPT:

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

The statement that eczema is never hereditary is false, making it the correct answer to this 'EXCEPT' question.
Eczema (specifically atopic dermatitis) has a well-established genetic component and is strongly linked to a personal or family history of atopy (eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis).
Studies on twins and families confirm that genetic factors, such as mutations in the filaggrin gene, play a significant role in the development of the disease by impairing the skin barrier function.

Option A: This is a true statement. Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. There is no known permanent cure, so management focuses on symptom control.
Option C: This is a true statement and a critical nursing intervention. The intense itching of eczema leads to scratching, which damages the skin barrier, worsens inflammation, and can lead to secondary infections. Short nails minimize this trauma.
Option D: This is a true statement. Topical corticosteroids are a cornerstone of eczema treatment. They are anti-inflammatory agents that effectively reduce the redness, swelling, and itching associated with flare-ups.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathophysiology and Management of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient education is a cornerstone of nursing care for eczema. Nurses must teach patients and families about skin hydration, trigger avoidance, and the correct use of medications to empower them to manage this chronic condition.
Preventing secondary infection is a major patient safety goal. Nurses must educate patients on how to recognize signs of infection (e.g., honey-colored crusts, pustules, increased pain) and when to seek medical care.
What if? A patient with eczema develops widespread, small, punched-out lesions and a fever? This presentation is highly suggestive of eczema herpeticum, a serious viral superinfection with Herpes Simplex Virus. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate antiviral therapy (e.g., acyclovir) to prevent systemic spread.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This tells you that three of the options are true statements about eczema, and your task is to find the one false statement.
Read the question stem carefully: 'All the following are true about Eczema EXCEPT:'.
Evaluate each option for its factual accuracy regarding eczema.
Option A: 'There is no cure.' Recall that eczema is a chronic condition. This statement is likely true.
Option B: 'It is never hereditary.' Think about atopic conditions. They often have a genetic link. The word 'never' is a strong absolute that is often false in medical questions. This is a likely candidate for the correct answer.
Option C: 'Client must keep fingernails short.' Consider the main symptom of eczema: itching. This is a logical safety precaution. This statement is likely true.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pathophysiology and Management of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Stem keywords: Eczema, true, EXCEPT
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: This question uses negative framing ('EXCEPT'), asking you to identify the false statement among the options. The correct answer is the one that is NOT true about eczema.

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