Skin Disorders| Actual Exam Questions and
Correct Answers
Question 1: A 16-year-old male with nodulocystic acne. Greatest positive impact in managing
his acne:
A) Topical benzoyl peroxide
B) Oral isotretinoin
C) Oral antibiotics
D) Topical retinoids
Correct Answer: B) Oral isotretinoin
Explanation: Nodulocystic acne is severe and often requires oral isotretinoin for significant
improvement, targeting sebum production and inflammation, per AAD guidelines.
Question 2: Infant with diaper dermatitis and satellite lesions. Treatment:
A) Topical antibiotic
B) Topical antifungal (e.g., nystatin)
C) Moisture barrier (e.g., zinc oxide)
D) Topical steroid
Correct Answer: B) Topical antifungal (e.g., nystatin)
Explanation: Satellite lesions indicate candidal diaper dermatitis, requiring antifungal treatment
like nystatin; zinc oxide is adjunctive but not primary.
Question 3: Patient at high risk for skin cancer should:
A) Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen
B) Perform monthly skin self-exams only
C) Use tanning beds safely
D) Avoid all topical treatments
,Correct Answer: A) Avoid sun exposure, use sunscreen
Explanation: High-risk individuals (e.g., fair skin, history of sunburns) should minimize sun
exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent skin cancer.
Question 4: Satellite lesions in a 6-month-old infant:
A) Small, red papules around a central lesion
B) Large, scaly plaques
C) Vesicles in a linear pattern
D) Pigmented macules
Correct Answer: A) Small, red papules around a central lesion
Explanation: Satellite lesions are small, red papules surrounding a primary lesion, typically seen
in candidal infections.
Question 5: “Herald patch” is a hallmark finding in:
A) Psoriasis
B) Pityriasis rosea
C) Tinea corporis
D) Eczema
Correct Answer: B) Pityriasis rosea
Explanation: A herald patch, a single oval, scaly lesion, precedes the generalized rash of
pityriasis rosea by 1–2 weeks.
Question 6: 10-year-old with thick, demarcated plaques on elbows. Features suggestive of
psoriasis:
A) Silvery scales, erythematous base
B) Weeping, crusted lesions
C) Vesicles and pustules
D) Hyperpigmented patches
Correct Answer: A) Silvery scales, erythematous base
, Explanation: Psoriasis presents with well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery scales,
often on extensor surfaces like elbows.
Question 7: 74-year-old with pearly-domed, nodular lesion on neck, asymptomatic. Likely
etiology:
A) Basal cell carcinoma
B) Seborrheic keratosis
C) Actinic keratosis
D) Melanoma
Correct Answer: A) Basal cell carcinoma
Explanation: A pearly, dome-shaped, non-painful lesion in an elderly patient on sun-exposed
skin is characteristic of basal cell carcinoma.
Question 8: Impetigo is characterized by:
A) Honey-crusted lesions
B) Silvery scales
C) Vesicular rash
D) Pigmented macules
Correct Answer: A) Honey-crusted lesions
Explanation: Impetigo, caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, presents with honey-
crusted, erythematous lesions.
Question 9: Patient with petechiae on both lower legs, no other complaints. NP should:
A) Order CBC, assess bleeding history
B) Prescribe topical steroids
C) Observe without testing
D) Start antibiotics
Correct Answer: A) Order CBC, assess bleeding history
Explanation: Petechiae may indicate thrombocytopenia or vasculitis; a CBC and bleeding
history are critical to evaluate underlying causes.