Children absorb more of a topical corticosteroid relative to their body size, so they face a higher risk of systemic effects such as adrenal suppression.
Correct Answer
True
True. Children have a larger skin surface area relative to body weight, so a topical steroid spread over large areas can be absorbed enough to suppress the adrenal glands and slow growth.
Category: Topical Corticosteroids
Question 2
Topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus do not cause the skin thinning seen with long-term topical corticosteroids.
Correct Answer
True
True. Because tacrolimus and pimecrolimus do not cause skin atrophy, they are useful for eczema on thin skin such as the face and eyelids, although a burning feeling at the site is common.
Category: Atopic Dermatitis Drugs
Question 3
Malathion lotion for head lice is flammable, so the hair is kept away from open flames and hair dryers until it dries.
Correct Answer
True
True. Malathion lotion has a high alcohol content and can catch fire. Patients let the hair dry naturally and avoid smoking, flames, dryers and curling irons while it is on.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 4
Tinea capitis usually needs an oral antifungal because topical products do not reach the fungus inside the hair follicles.
Correct Answer
True
True. Fungal infection of the scalp involves the hair shaft and follicle, where creams cannot penetrate, so an oral antifungal is prescribed.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 5
Burns treated with silver sulfadiazine are kept completely covered with the cream.
Correct Answer
True
True. A continuous layer of cream over the burn helps prevent bacterial colonization. Cream that rubs off is reapplied using gloves and aseptic technique.
Category: Burn and Wound Agents
Question 6
Oral terbinafine for nail fungus can cause liver injury, so liver function is checked before treatment begins.
Correct Answer
True
True. Liver failure has been reported with oral terbinafine, so liver tests are done first and patients report dark urine, jaundice, fatigue or right upper abdominal pain.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 7
Coal tar products used for psoriasis can stain clothing and fabrics.
Correct Answer
True
True. Coal tar can stain clothing, bedding and light-colored hair, and it also increases sensitivity to sunlight.
Category: Psoriasis Drugs
Question 8
Topical drugs are absorbed more readily through broken or inflamed skin than through intact skin.
Correct Answer
True
True. Damaged skin has lost part of its barrier, so more drug reaches the bloodstream. This is one reason topical products are kept off open areas unless prescribed for them.
Category: Topical Corticosteroids
Question 9
Household members and close contacts of a patient with scabies are treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms.
Correct Answer
True
True. Symptoms of scabies can take time to appear, so treating all close contacts together prevents reinfestation. Bedding and clothing are also washed in hot water or sealed in a bag.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 10
Isotretinoin commonly causes dry, cracked lips.
Correct Answer
True
True. Dryness of the lips, skin, eyes and nose is the most common effect of isotretinoin. Lip balm, moisturizers and lubricating eye drops help.
Category: Isotretinoin Safety
Question 11
Isotretinoin can be taken safely with vitamin A supplements because it lowers vitamin A levels.
Correct Answer
False
False. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative, so vitamin A supplements add to its toxicity and are avoided during treatment.
Category: Isotretinoin Safety
Question 12
Psoriasis is a contagious fungal infection that spreads by skin contact.
Correct Answer
False
False. Psoriasis is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disease that speeds skin cell growth. It is not an infection and cannot be spread to other people.
Category: Psoriasis Drugs
Question 13
Adapalene should be applied to sunburned or broken skin to help it heal.
Correct Answer
False
False. Adapalene is irritating and is kept off sunburned, broken or eczematous skin. It is applied in a thin layer to clean, dry, intact skin.
Category: Acne Drugs
Question 14
A thick layer of topical corticosteroid is recommended for a severe flare because it works better than a thin layer.
Correct Answer
False
False. A thin layer rubbed gently into the affected area is enough. Extra drug does not improve the effect but does raise the risk of local and systemic adverse effects.
Category: Topical Corticosteroids
Question 15
Mafenide penetrates burn eschar poorly, so it is reserved for superficial burns.
Correct Answer
False
False. Mafenide penetrates eschar well, which is why it is useful for deep burns. Its drawbacks include pain on application and metabolic acidosis.
Category: Burn and Wound Agents
Question 16
Hair conditioner applied just before permethrin creme rinse makes the lice treatment work better.
Correct Answer
False
False. Conditioner coats the hair and can reduce how well permethrin works. Hair is washed with shampoo that has no conditioner and towel dried before the rinse is applied.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 17
Topical antifungals for athlete's foot can be stopped as soon as the itching stops.
Correct Answer
False
False. Fungus remains after symptoms improve, so the antifungal is used for the full course prescribed to prevent relapse. Keeping the feet clean and dry also helps.
Category: Antifungals and Antiparasitics
Question 18
Methoxsalen is effective for psoriasis when taken without light therapy.
Correct Answer
False
False. Methoxsalen works only with ultraviolet A light; it makes the skin respond to the light treatment and is not effective alone.
Category: Psoriasis Drugs
Question 19
Silver sulfadiazine is a safe choice for a patient with a known sulfonamide allergy.
Correct Answer
False
False. Silver sulfadiazine is a sulfonamide, and cross-sensitivity with other sulfonamides is possible, so the nurse asks about sulfa allergy before applying it and reports a history of sulfa reactions to the provider.
Category: Burn and Wound Agents
Question 20
Calamine lotion relieves itching by killing the bacteria that cause contact dermatitis.
Correct Answer
False
False. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction, not a bacterial infection. Calamine soothes the skin and relieves itching and burning; it is not an antibiotic.
Category: Atopic Dermatitis Drugs