Dermatology Course Quizzes
Benzoyl Peroxide is notorious for doing which of the following?
"bleaching" pillowcases and towels
Urea
Carmol
Which of the following is associated with inhibiting androgen hormone production?
Cimetidine (Tagamet) Famotidine (Pepcid) ????
topically (as gel, cream, etc.)
Clobetasol
Which of the following isn't one of the common keratolytics we use in dermatology?
Cocoa Butter
Your supervising physician asks you to draw up "half a CC of Kenalog 5 mg/ml". Which of the following would be an appropriate method of doing so?
Combine 0.25 CC of sterile water with 0.25 CC of Kenalog 10 mg/ml.
Your supervising physician asks you to draw up "a CC of Kenalog 2.5 mg/ml". Which of the following would be an appropriate method of doing so?
Combine 0.75 CC of sterile water with 0.25 CC of Kenalog 10 mg/ml.
The acronym "CPOE" stands for _______.
Computerized Physician Order Entry
A patient calls asking for a refill of his acne antibiotic. After looking up his medical record, you discover that there are multiple patients who share the same name. Which personal identifier is typically considered the best method of distinguishing two "same name" patients from one another?
Date of Birth
Sedating Antihistamines
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Glycolic Acid
Glytone
Ranitidine
H2-Blockers
If Terbinafine (Lamisil) or Itraconazole (Sporanox) are prescribed, which of the following lab tests is your supervising physician is most likely to order?
Hepatic Function Panel
Your supervising physician sees a patient today who is completely broken out with Urticaria. He prescribes Hydroxyzine and tells him to come back in a week for follow-up. After your supervising physician leaves the room, the patient admits that he has no more "sick time" at work and can't afford to take time off. Which of the following would be important for the patient to know?
Hydroxyzine has a significant potential to cause sedation. He should avoid performing any activities which would be dangerous if performed while drowsy.
Which one of the following isn't a well-known side effect of prolonged systemic steroid use?
Increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor)
Infliximab (Remicade)
Aldactone
Spironolactone
Diuretic
Spironolactone
Which of the "hormone blocking agents" is associated with the potential for increased serum Potassium (K+)?
Spironolactone
Which of the "hormone blocking agents" is always safe to take during pregnancy?
Spironolactone Finasteride Neither***
Which of the following topical ingredients is the cause of some medications having a faint "rotten egg" smell?
Sulfur
Lamisil
Terbinafine
Which class of antibiotics that we frequently use in dermatology is most associated with decreased absorption if taken at the same time as calcium (milk, dairy, supplements, etc.)?
Tetracyclines
Which of the following represents the correct definition of concentration?
The amount of medication within the total amount of solution.
The duration field in prescription order entry is specifically used to indicate _______.
The total duration that the prescribed quantity should last the patient.
Which of the following statements best describes Clinical Decision Support ("pop-up") alerts?
They are an important advantage provided by transitioning to EMR. While they can alert us to the potential allergic reactions or other serious interactions, they may also cause "false alarms". Every dermatology practice should establish a protocol which ensures patient safety while avoiding unnecessary disruption of workflow.
Why should the "tetracyclines" be avoided by very young children and women who are pregnant?
They can cause permanent discoloration of developing teeth and bones.
Percentage/Concentration
Topically Applied Medications
Applying salicylic acid cream to too much surface area can be harmful (especially in children).
True
Doxepin was originally marketed as an antidepressant.
True
Finasteride is available in both 1 mg and 5 mg tablets.
True
Hydroquinone can be compounded by pharmacies much higher than the standard 4% concentration.
True
Increasing the risk of serious infection is one of the most significant concerns that patients must take into consideration before starting a "biologic".
True
Keratolytics are a commonly used ingredient in a variety of cosmetic products.
True
Steroid atrophy is completely avoidable.
True
The form of Griseofulvin your supervising physician recommends will significantly influence the total dose prescribed.
True
The route of delivery terms "PO", "By Mouth", and "Orally" all mean the same and can be written interchangeably.
True
Those entering prescription orders on behalf of the physician should always put patient safety first. This includes paying close attention to the directions that he/she verbalizes as well as asking if/when there is any uncertainty regarding the prescription details.
True
Which two of the following infections can lie "dormant" in the body but may be reactivated with use of a "biologic"?
Tuberculosis Hepatitis B
IL 12/23
Ustekinumab (Stelara)
A "yeast infection" is an example of _________.
a side effect (aka "adverse effect")
Antibiotics which work by directly killing bacteria are considered _________.
Bactericidal
Antibiotics which work by preventing replication are considered ___________.
Bacteriostatic
Although it can be caused by a number of medications, the severe allergic reaction known as Stevens-Johnson is most associated with use of _________.
Bactrim
What would be one of the greatest concerns with taking a full dose of Prednisone before bedtime?
Because of cortisol's role in circadian rhythm, the body might be fooled into thinking it's morning, and the patient might have a hard time falling asleep.
Which of the "fading creams" works by inhibiting tyrosinase?
Both Hydroquinoine and Azelaic Acid
IL 17A
Secukinumab
Your supervising physician has verbally described the treatment plan to the patient, including the prescription details, but she has now left the room and is relying on you to send the prescription to the pharmacy. You think she said "2 refills", but you're not sure. Perhaps she said "12 refills"? What are some examples of why it's important to always confirm that the correct number of refills are entered before sending the prescription to the pharmacy?
***All other answers are correct. If the patient receives too many refills, but cancels his follow-up, he may continue using the medication for an unnecessarily long period of time. If the patient receives an insufficient number of refills to last until his next appointment, he or the pharmacy will invariably call the office to request a refill, resulting in inefficient use of staff time and resources. The patient may require monitoring labs after a certain period of time to ensure that no harmful side effects have occurred. If too many refills are provided, he may not follow through with lab testing but instead simply keep refilling his medication.
Place a check next to each true statement regarding medication errors:
***An estimated 7,000 people die every year as a result of preventable medication errors. The cost of medication errors occurring in outpatient clinics alone is estimated at nearly $5 million dollars/year. ***As many as one out of every four ambulatory care patients suffer an ADE. ***The cost of medication errors occurring in outpatient clinics alone is estimated at nearly $5 billion dollars/year.
What is the total amount of Triamcinolone Acetonide (the steroid in Kenalog) in a syringe which contains 2 CC of Kenalog 40 mg/ml?
??
Ammonium Lactate (Lactic Acid)
Amlactin
Please choose the best response to this scenario: A patient was just seen for her annual skin exam. After the visit ends, she gets dressed and tells the medical assistant that she forgot to ask the doctor about her acne breakouts. The doctor has already moved on to the next room and is unavailable. However, the MA knows that the pharmaceutical rep just dropped off several boxes of samples of a new antibiotic which she believes might help. What's the most appropriate manner of handling this situation?
Don't give out any prescription samples without first discussing with the physician and receiving authorization. As the physician has completed this visit and is already in the next room, this patient should be encouraged to schedule another visit to discuss her acne problems.
All antibiotics have been shown to decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
False
All of those who are allergic to Cephalosporins are also allergic Penicillins.
False
Azelaic Acid is only available under the brand name "Finacea Gel".
False
Because of their importance, insurance always provides coverage for the "newer" antihistamines such as Clarinex and Xyzal.
False
Because they're applied externally, we shouldn't be too concerned about any potential side effects of topical steroids.
False
Because they're so inexpensive, "biologics" are amongst the very first medications that we consider when treating patients with Psoriasis.
False
Both Hydroquinone and Azelaic Acid work very quickly - usually in a matter of days.
False
Corticosteroids like Prednisone are sometimes used by bodybuilders to increase muscle mass.
False
Hydroquinone has been proven to increase the cancer rate in humans.
False
It's dangerous for patients on "biologics" to get a flu shot.
False
Newer antihistamines such as Loratadine (Claritin) and Fexofenadine (Allegra) have no potential whatsoever of causing sedation.
False
Systemic steroids like Prednisone are always prescribed as a "taper".
False
When indicating frequency of dose, it's always preferred to use Latin terms (PO, TID, etc.) as they create a more professional and appealing visit note.
False
Non-Sedating Antihistamines
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Propecia
Finasteride
The inhibition of 5α-reductase is the primary mechanism of action of ________.
Finasteride
Treatment of BPH
Finasteride
Diflucan
Fluconazole
Which unique test might your supervising physician order if/when she places a patient on Dapsone?
G6PD enzyme levels
A patient calls the office stating that he noticed a red, itchy rash forming on his chest and back this morning. He was prescribed Bactrim last week by your supervising physician. Unfortunately, your supervising physician is out of town and it may be several hours until you can get in touch with her. The patient isn't in any pain and isn't suffering any swelling. He's just noticed the rash and wants to be sure everything is OK. In this scenario, which of the following represents the most appropriate action to take?
Inform the patient that it's possible that the Bactrim could be the cause. He should avoid further use until you are able to discuss the issue with your supervising physician. Should he experience any significant swelling, difficulty breathing, or significant worsening of the rash, he should seek emergency care right away.
Sporanox
Itraconazole
via injection
Kenalog
Which of the following represents a properly written concentration strength?
Kenalog 10 mg/ml
Nizoral
Ketoconazole
Mg/ml
Liquids (Taken Orally)
A "troche" is essentially a type of ________.
Lozenge
Which of the following antibiotics is known to rarely cause "bruise-like" discoloration on the skin, especially when taken for prolonged periods of time?
Minocycline
A patient comes in for a wound check. The surgical site is surrounded by inflammation and faint blisters. The patient has been using a popular over-the-counter antibiotic ointment for wound care. Your supervising physician reassures him that the site doesn't look infected. Based on the description, what's the most likely cause of the inflammation?
Neomycin or Bacitracin allergy
Which of the following "biologics" are taken by mouth?
None. The "biologics" can't be taken by mouth.
The rare side effect of Hydroquinone which is caused by the excessive buildup of homogentistic acid is called ___________.
Ochronosis
Which of the following best describes why it's dangerous to take systemic corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time?
Our body already produces cortisol in the adrenal glands. If taken for extended periods of time, the adrenal glands can get "lazy" and quit producing cortisol on their own.
Your supervising physician leaves the room after prescribing the patient Salicylic Acid 6% shampoo for his Seborrheic Dermatitis. The patient expresses concern, stating "it's not gonna work because that's already in my over-the-counter shampoo and it didn't work". Which of the following would be important to point out to the patient in an effort to reassure him that the prescription is worth trying?
Over-the-counter shampoos can only have a maximum of 3% salicylic acid, therefore the prescription is at least twice as strong as what he's currently using.
orally as a pill
Prednisone
A patient contacts the office worried because he noticed that his urine is reddish-orange. He thought that maybe your supervising physician mentioned this could be a potential side effect. He just wants to be sure this is normal. Based on this reported side effect, which antibiotic did your supervising physician most likely prescribe him?
Rifampin
Salicylic Acid
Salex
Are Ketoconazole pills better absorbed in an acidic or basic stomach environment?
acidic
Keratolytics are topical medications which __________.
assist in the removal of problematic, excess, or unwanted scaling/thickness of the epidermis
Which one of the following isn't a potential side effect of antihistamines?
change in urine color
Which one of the following isn't a well-known potential side effect of Spironolactone?
double vision
The most common side effect of Griseofulvin is ________.
headache
Which of the following symptoms are most associated with histamine release?
hives and itching
A patient is taking an antifungal whose effects are "potentiated" by alcohol. This means that, if taken with alcohol, the antifungal's effects are ________.
increased
Low-dose Doxycycline works by __________.
its anti-inflammatory effect and neither kills bacteria nor prevents replication
Which of the following in a patient's past medical history does not significantly affect ones ability to use a "biologic"?
migraines
Milligrams
pills/tablets
The most common side effect of the "biologics" is __________.
redness/itching at the injection site
The definitive source of a medication's indication(s), instructions for proper use, and full range of potential side effects is _______.
the medication's FDA-approved monograph (prescription package insert)
Which one of the following isn't an "androgen"?
thyroglobulin
