Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What would you classify a smooth, slightly elevated skin area that appears redder than its surroundings?

1. A macule

2. A nodule

3. A wheal

4. An ulcer

The correct answer is: A wheal

A smooth, slightly elevated skin area that appears redder than its surroundings is classified as a wheal. Wheals are typically raised, itchy areas of skin that can occur due to allergic reactions, insect bites, or skin conditions such as hives. Their characteristic redness is often due to increased blood flow to the area, making them stand out compared to the surrounding skin. Macules are flat, discolored areas of the skin that do not have any elevation or indentation, so they would not match the description of being slightly elevated. Nodules, on the other hand, are solid, raised areas that are usually larger and firmer than wheals, and they can occur deeper in the skin. An ulcer is a loss of skin surface that usually results in an open sore, which is quite different from a smooth, elevated presentation. Thus, the features described in the question align perfectly with those of a wheal.