Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

Which systemic symptoms are typically present in cases of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?

1. Increased appetite

2. Fever and muscle aches

3. Skin dryness and itching

4. Localized swelling

The correct answer is: Fever and muscle aches

In cases of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), systemic symptoms such as fever and muscle aches are common due to the widespread skin detachment and the body's inflammatory response to the condition. TEN is a severe skin reaction often caused by medications, leading to extensive necrosis and exfoliation of the outer layer of skin. The immune response triggers systemic reactions, including fever as the body fights what it perceives as a significant threat, and muscle aches, which can arise from the intense stresses placed on the body. Other symptoms like increased appetite, skin dryness and itching, or localized swelling are less characteristic of TEN. For instance, while skin dryness may occur due to skin loss, it does not represent the systemic nature of TEN, which predominantly presents with more generalized reactions such as fever and muscle discomfort. Understanding these systemic symptoms is essential for recognizing the severity of TEN and implementing timely and appropriate interventions.