Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following describes a macule?

1. A) Raised, erythemic lesion

2. B) Flat, non-raised lesion

3. C) Painful blister

4. D) Firm, raised nodule

The correct answer is: B) Flat, non-raised lesion

A macule is a type of skin lesion that is characterized by its flat and non-raised appearance. It typically has a different color than the surrounding skin, which makes it noticeable. Common examples of macules include freckles or small flat spots that do not involve any elevation or texture changes from the surrounding skin. Understanding this term is important in dermatology and clinical assessments, as it helps differentiate between various types of lesions based on their characteristics. For example, a raised, erythemic lesion would indicate an inflammation or other condition that causes the skin to become raised and red, while a painful blister suggests some form of fluid accumulation and is distinctly different from a flat macule. Similarly, a firm, raised nodule suggests a solid lesion that is palpable and has a specific thickness or depth, contrasting again with the flat nature of a macule.