Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

A patient with painful nodules in the axillae likely has which condition?

1. Hidradenitis suppurativa

2. Severe nodular acne

3. Granuloma inguinale

4. Cat scratch fever

The correct answer is: Hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa is characterized by painful nodules, often located in areas such as the axillae, groin, and under the breasts. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles in these regions. The nodules can become abscesses, leading to further pain, drainage, and the development of sinus tracts or scarring over time. Given the specific location of the nodules in the axillae and their painful nature, this choice aligns well with the clinical presentation expected in hidradenitis suppurativa. The condition often shows a recurrent pattern and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life due to its chronic nature and associated discomfort. Other conditions listed do not fit the presentation as snugly. For instance, severe nodular acne primarily affects the face and back rather than the axillae, while granuloma inguinale is typically associated with genital lesions. Cat scratch fever generally presents with lymphadenopathy following a cat scratch, rather than painful nodules specifically in the axillae. Thus, the characteristics and specific location of the lesions point clearly to hidradenitis suppurativa as the most likely diagnosis.