While Performing an Assessment of the Perianal Area of a Patient

question 3

Multiple Choice

While performing an assessment of the perianal area of a patient, the nurse notices that the pigmentation of the anus is darker than the surrounding skin, the anal opening is closed, and a skin sac that is shiny and blue is noted. The patient mentioned that he has had pain with bowel movements and has occasionally noted some spots of blood. What does this assessment and history most likely indicate?

• A) Anal fistula
• B) Pilonidal cyst
• C) Rectal prolapse
• D) Thrombosed hemorrhoid

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Definitions:

Human Ancestry

The lineage or genetic heritage of an individual or group tracing back through generations of human evolution.

Epicanthic Eye Fold

A fold of skin at the inner corner of the eye; common in Asian populations.

Skin Fold

A method used to measure body fat by pinching the skin and fat at specific locations on the body to assess overall body composition.

Genetic Polymorphism

The occurrence of two or more different alleles of a gene in a population, leading to genetic variation among individuals.