Chapter 13: Dermatologic Agents

Chapter 13: Dermatologic Agents

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. A primary care nurse practitioner (NP) prescribes a topical cream medication. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of proper application of this medication?

ANS:  A

For optimal absorption of topical medications, apply them to moist skin either immediately after bathing or after wet soaks. A tongue blade is used for topicals in paste form. Topical medications should be applied in a thin layer, not liberally. Topical medications should be applied using long, downward strokes because back-and-forth strokes can cause irritation.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   152 – 153

2. An NP student asks the primary care NP about guidelines for using topical steroids. The NP should tell the student that:

ANS:  C

Standardized guidelines are available for disease-specific conditions; there are no evidence-based studies or standardized guidelines for using topical steroids.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   154 – 155

3. A 5-year-old child has atopic dermatitis that is refractory to treatment with hydrocortisone acetone 2.5% cream. The primary care NP should prescribe:

ANS:  B

An over-the-counter steroid has failed to treat this child’s dermatitis, so the NP should prescribe something in a higher strength. Triamcinolone is a medium-strength steroid and should be used. The other three are in groups I and II, which are high-strength steroids and are not recommended in children.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   154| 156

4. A patient has been treated for severe contact dermatitis on both arms with clobetasol propionate cream. At a follow-up visit, the primary care NP notes that the condition has cleared. The NP should:

ANS:  A

Treatment should be discontinued when the skin condition has resolved. Tapering the corticosteroid will prevent recurrence of the skin condition. Tapering is best done by gradually reducing the potency and dosing frequency at 2-week intervals. This patient was on a very high potency steroid, so changing to a medium frequency with follow-up in 2 weeks is an appropriate action. Discontinuing the steroid abruptly can lead to recurrence.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                           REF:   160