Which of the following statements best describes Xanthelasma?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

Xanthelasma palpebrarum are yellowish, soft plaques composed of lipid deposits that form on or around the eyelids.
They are the most common type of xanthoma, which is a localized collection of cholesterol underneath the skin.
These plaques are often associated with high blood cholesterol levels (hyperlipidemia) and can be an external sign of an increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
It's important to note that approximately 50% of individuals with xanthelasma have normal lipid profiles, where it may be related to aging skin.

Option A: This describes Janeway lesions, not Xanthelasma. Janeway lesions are red, painless macules on the palms and soles.
Option C: This describes Arcus senilis (corneal arcus). It is a lipid deposit in the cornea, appearing as a ring, not yellowish plaques on the eyelids.
Option D: This describes Frank's sign. It is a crease on the earlobe, not a deposit on the eyelid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical identification of Xanthelasma and other cutaneous signs of systemic disease as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses should recognize cutaneous signs like xanthelasma during physical assessments as they can be indicators of serious underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease.
The identification of xanthelasma should prompt the nurse to review the patient's lipid profile, assess for other cardiovascular risk factors, and provide patient education on diet, exercise, and medication adherence.
What if? If the patient presented with tender, raised nodules on the fingertips instead of flat, painless spots on the palms, the nurse would suspect Osler's nodes. While also a sign of infective endocarditis like Janeway lesions, Osler's nodes are immunologically mediated and painful, whereas Janeway lesions are embolic and painless.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Xanthelasma'.
Recognize that this is a definition-based recall question, asking you to identify the correct description of a specific clinical sign.
Systematically evaluate each option against your knowledge of medical terminology.
Option A describes red spots on palms/soles, which are characteristic of Janeway lesions.
Option B describes yellowish plaques on the eyelids. This directly matches the clinical presentation of Xanthelasma.
Option C describes a ring around the cornea, which is Arcus senilis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Clinical identification of Xanthelasma and other cutaneous signs of systemic disease.
Stem keywords: Xanthelasma, describes
Lead-in keywords: best describes
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 113-115

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 445-447, 1901-1903

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.