A 50-year-old patient is concerned because several firm, deep-red papules have appeared on both legs and the number is increasing. The nurse should recognize these as which type of lesion?

Question

1. Cherry angiomas
2. Venous stars
3. Purpura
4. Spider angiomas

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: A cherry angioma is a firm, deep-red papule and is a benign vascular lesion. It is generally found on most people after age 30, and the incidence increases with age.
Rationale 2: A venous star is a bluish, irregular spider shape with linear lines and is caused by increased pressure in superficial veins.
Rationale 3: A purpura is a red-purple lesion more than 0.5 centimeter in diameter that is caused by intravascular defects or infection.
Rationale 4: A spider angioma has a red central body with radiating spiderlike legs. It can be caused by liver disease or vitamin B deficiency.