Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Urticaria is best described as?

1. A single raised lesion

2. A type of macule

3. Wheals that coalesce into an extensive reaction

4. A solid, elevated nodule

The correct answer is: Wheals that coalesce into an extensive reaction

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is characterized by the presence of wheals, which are raised, itchy areas of skin. These wheals can vary in size and are typically surrounded by an area of redness. One of the defining features of urticaria is the ability of these wheals to coalesce or merge together, forming larger areas of skin reaction. This coalescence can lead to extensive areas of raised skin, contributing to the overall condition. The process occurs due to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils, resulting in localized edema. The transient nature of urticaria means that these wheals can appear and disappear over a short period, often moving or changing locations on the body, which distinguishes it from more stable lesions. This characteristic of coalescence is a hallmark of urticaria, making the choice representative of its clinical presentation. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe urticaria. A single raised lesion would describe an isolated entity, a macule refers to a flat, discolored area of skin without elevation, and a solid elevated nodule implies a mass that remains consistent and does not follow the transient, coalescing nature that is