Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

The correct answer is a type of skin lesion that is defined by its raised and elevated nature. In this case, a thickened epidermis is indicative of a plaque. Plaques are often greater than 1 cm in diameter and manifest as elevated, flat-topped lesions that can feel rough or scaly due to the excess skin layer. They are commonly associated with conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, where there is an increase in the accumulation of keratinocytes leading to epidermal thickening.

While papules are also raised lesions and can be firm or soft, they are generally smaller, typically less than 1 cm in diameter. They do not specifically denote a thickened epidermis, but rather a small solid elevation.

Macules are flat and do not present with elevation or thickening and are generally less than 1 cm in width. They can be pigmented or discolored areas on the skin but lack any thickness or raised characteristics.

Nodules are larger, solid lesions that extend deeper into the dermis. Like plaques, they may be raised, but they differ in their depth and structure. Nodules often represent more significant pathology and are usually round, firm, and can be larger than papules.

In summary, the thick