How are petechiae characterized?

How are petechiae characterized?

• A. Small, round flat dark-red spots
• B. Fluid-filled blisters
• C. Irregular, raised areas with redness
• D. Cut in the skin

Answer: (A)

Petechiae are characterized as small, round flat dark-red spots on the skin. They result from the leakage of blood under the skin due to broken capillaries. These spots can appear anywhere on the body and do not blanch when pressure is applied, which is a distinguishing feature. The tiny dimensions of petechiae, typically less than 3 millimeters, and their flat appearance differentiate them from other types of skin lesions. The other options describe different skin lesions. Fluid-filled blisters describe vesicles or bullae, which are raised and contain fluid. Irregular, raised areas with redness might refer to hives or other inflammatory reactions, while a cut in the skin implies a break in the skin’s integrity, such as a laceration. None of these features align with the characteristics of petechiae, reinforcing that option A is the correct depiction.

Petechiae are characterized as small, round flat dark-red spots on the skin. They result from the leakage of blood under the skin due to broken capillaries. These spots can appear anywhere on the body and do not blanch when pressure is applied, which is a distinguishing feature. The tiny dimensions of petechiae, typically less than 3 millimeters, and their flat appearance differentiate them from other types of skin lesions.

The other options describe different skin lesions. Fluid-filled blisters describe vesicles or bullae, which are raised and contain fluid. Irregular, raised areas with redness might refer to hives or other inflammatory reactions, while a cut in the skin implies a break in the skin’s integrity, such as a laceration. None of these features align with the characteristics of petechiae, reinforcing that option A is the correct depiction.