Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

How does calciphylaxis typically present?

1. As small itchy bumps on the skin

2. Initial painful mottled areas progressing to nodules and ulcerations

3. A sudden outbreak of blisters on the skin

4. Only as localized swelling in the lower extremities

The correct answer is: Initial painful mottled areas progressing to nodules and ulcerations

Calciphylaxis typically presents initially with painful mottled areas on the skin, which may develop into nodules and ulcerations. This condition is characterized by vascular calcification and is often seen in patients with end-stage renal disease. The initial mottled appearance is due to tissue ischemia caused by calcium deposition in small blood vessels, leading to painful areas that can progress if untreated. The progression to nodules and ulcerations occurs as the tissue becomes increasingly compromised due to ischemia. This painful nature of the initial lesions distinguishes calciphylaxis from other dermatological conditions, which may not have the same level of discomfort associated with them. In contrast, the other answer options do not accurately reflect the typical presentation of calciphylaxis. Small itchy bumps do not encapsulate the severity and characteristic progression of the disease. Blister outbreaks are more indicative of other conditions, such as contact dermatitis or bullous diseases, rather than calciphylaxis. Lastly, restricting the presentation to localized swelling in the lower extremities does not encompass the broader manifestations of calciphylaxis, which can occur in various skin regions and can lead to systemic implications.