Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which skin condition is characterized by raised, itchy welts that can appear and disappear quickly?

1. Psoriasis

2. Urticaria

3. Actinic keratosis

4. Dermatitis

The correct answer is: Urticaria

The skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts that can appear and disappear quickly is urticaria, commonly known as hives. This condition results from the body's release of histamine and other chemicals in response to allergens or irritants, leading to localized swelling and redness in the skin. The welts, or wheals, vary in size and can shift locations on the body, often resolving within a few hours to a day. This transient nature is a hallmark of urticaria, distinguishing it from other skin disorders. In contrast, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that typically features thick, red patches covered with silvery scales, and it does not resolve quickly like hives. Actinic keratosis is characterized by rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin, often seen as precursors to skin cancer, and it does not produce the raised, itchy welts described. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, which can present with a variety of symptoms, but it typically involves a more persistent rash rather than the rapid onset and resolution of raised welts seen in urticaria. Thus, urticaria is the clear choice for the described symptoms.