Question

the patient has a large bluish-purple area on her arm. this is documented as

multiple choice

purpura.
ecchymosis.
rosacea.
petechiae.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical description

The patient has a "large bluish-purple area" on her arm. This description indicates bleeding under the skin (extravasation of blood into the subcutaneous tissue), commonly known as a bruise.

Define the medical terms

Using Medical Terminology and Integumentary Pathology concepts, we evaluate each option:

• purpura: Purple-colored spots and patches on the skin and mucous membranes, typically measuring 3 to 10 mm in size.
• ecchymosis: A large, non-elevated blue or purplish patch on the skin caused by escape of blood into tissues (bruise), typically larger than 10 mm (1 cm).
• rosacea: A chronic inflammatory skin condition causing redness and visible blood vessels on the face.
• petechiae: Tiny, pinpoint-sized round red, brown, or purple spots on the skin (less than 3 mm) caused by minor bleeding from broken capillaries.

Match description to the correct term

A "large bluish-purple area" matches the definition of an ecchymosis (bruise), which is larger than both petechiae and purpura.

Answer:

• (A) purpura.
• (B) ecchymosis. (Correct answer)
• (C) rosacea.
• (D) petechiae.