MCQ Quiz: Management of Skin Disorders

The management of common skin disorders is a cornerstone of community pharmacy practice and self-care. From selecting the right acne treatment to counseling on the proper use of sunscreens and topical antifungals, pharmacists are essential guides for patients. As detailed in the Patient Care I “Dermatology Self-Care” module “, pharmacists must be experts in assessing these conditions, recommending appropriate OTC products, and knowing when to refer for further medical evaluation. This quiz will test your knowledge on the evidence-based management and counseling for these common dermatologic conditions.

1. What is the first-line pharmacologic self-care treatment for mild acne vulgaris?

• a. Topical corticosteroids
• b. Oral isotretinoin
• c. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
• d. A systemic antibiotic

Answer: c. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

2. A patient starting adapalene gel for acne should be counseled that:

• a. It should only be used as a spot treatment on individual pimples.
• b. It should be applied as a thin layer to the entire affected area.
• c. Results will be seen in less than a week.
• d. It does not cause sun sensitivity.

Answer: b. It should be applied as a thin layer to the entire affected area.

3. The primary management goal for androgenetic alopecia is:

• a. To achieve rapid and complete hair regrowth.
• b. To slow the process of hair loss and potentially stimulate some regrowth with continuous use of therapy.
• c. To cure the condition permanently.
• d. To block all testosterone in the body.

Answer: b. To slow the process of hair loss and potentially stimulate some regrowth with continuous use of therapy.

4. How should a patient be counseled to use a topical antifungal cream for tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)?

• a. Apply it only until the itching stops.
• b. Apply it once a week for one month.
• c. Apply it to the affected area and a surrounding border for the full recommended duration (e.g., 1-4 weeks).
• d. Apply a very thick layer and cover it with a bandage.

Answer: c. Apply it to the affected area and a surrounding border for the full recommended duration (e.g., 1-4 weeks).

5. The most effective way to manage and prevent sun-induced skin damage is:

• a. To use a sunscreen with SPF 15 only when at the beach.
• b. To get a “base tan” before a vacation.
• c. To use a comprehensive approach of sun avoidance, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• d. To use tanning oils.

Answer: c. To use a comprehensive approach of sun avoidance, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen.

6. The “Dermatology Self Care” module is a specific learning module in which course?

• a. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• b. PHA5104 Sterile Compounding
• c. PHA5703 Pharmacy Law and Ethics
• d. PHA5787C Patient Care 5

Answer: a. PHA5781 Patient Care I

7. Which OTC ingredient is most appropriate for the self-care management of an itchy, inflammatory rash like mild contact dermatitis?

• a. Benzoyl peroxide
• b. Topical hydrocortisone 1%
• c. Salicylic acid
• d. Clotrimazole

Answer: b. Topical hydrocortisone 1%

8. For maximum effectiveness, a patient should be counseled to reapply sunscreen at least every:

• a. 4 hours
• b. 6 hours
• c. 8 hours
• d. 2 hours

Answer: d. 2 hours

9. A patient has a fungal infection on their scalp (tinea capitis). The appropriate management is:

• a. Self-treatment with an OTC antifungal cream.
• b. Self-treatment with minoxidil foam.
• c. Referral to a physician, as this condition requires prescription oral antifungal therapy.
• d. Shaving the head.

Answer: c. Referral to a physician, as this condition requires prescription oral antifungal therapy.

10. A patient using topical minoxidil must understand that:

• a. If they stop using the product, any new hair growth will likely fall out.
• b. The product cures baldness.
• c. The product works by blocking DHT.
• d. The product should be applied to the hair, not the scalp.

Answer: a. If they stop using the product, any new hair growth will likely fall out.

11. The lecture on the prevention of sunburn and skin cancer is a topic within the Patient Care I curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

12. The first step in managing contact dermatitis is:

• a. Applying a high-potency corticosteroid.
• b. Taking an oral antihistamine.
• c. Identifying and avoiding the offending irritant or allergen.
• d. Using an antifungal cream.

Answer: c. Identifying and avoiding the offending irritant or allergen.

13. A key non-pharmacologic recommendation for a patient with dry skin (xerosis) is:

• a. To take long, hot showers.
• b. To avoid using moisturizers.
• c. To use a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer to damp skin after bathing.
• d. To exfoliate vigorously every day.

Answer: c. To use a gentle cleanser and apply a moisturizer to damp skin after bathing.

14. A patient with severe, nodulocystic acne presents to the pharmacy. This is an exclusion for self-treatment and requires a referral.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

15. Counseling patients on self-care is a key objective for student pharmacists.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

16. Which OTC antifungal agent generally offers a shorter treatment course for athlete’s foot compared to azoles?

• a. Tolnaftate
• b. Terbinafine
• c. Clotrimazole
• d. Miconazole

Answer: b. Terbinafine

17. The management of fungal infections is a topic within the Patient Care 2 curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

18. A key management strategy for preventing the recurrence of tinea pedis is:

• a. Keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing moisture-wicking socks.
• b. Wearing occlusive shoes without socks.
• c. Applying petroleum jelly to the feet daily.
• d. Soaking feet in water for long periods.

Answer: a. Keeping feet clean and dry, and wearing moisture-wicking socks.

19. A pharmacist’s role in managing skin disorders includes:

• a. Differentiating conditions appropriate for self-care from those needing referral.
• b. Recommending appropriate non-pharmacologic measures.
• c. Counseling on the proper use and expected outcomes of OTC products.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

20. A patient using benzoyl peroxide should be counseled that it can:

• a. Cause skin to become less sensitive to the sun.
• b. Stain or bleach fabrics like towels and pillowcases.
• c. Hydrate the skin.
• d. Be used as a spot treatment only.

Answer: b. Stain or bleach fabrics like towels and pillowcases.

21. SPF on a sunscreen label stands for:

• a. Sun Prevention Factor
• b. Sun Protection Factor
• c. Skin Protection Factor
• d. Solar Protection Formula

Answer: b. Sun Protection Factor

22. A product labeled “water resistant (80 minutes)” means:

• a. It is completely waterproof.
• b. It remains effective for 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and should be reapplied afterward.
• c. It should be reapplied every 80 minutes, regardless of activity.
• d. It only needs to be applied once per day.

Answer: b. It remains effective for 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and should be reapplied afterward.

23. The “Self-care for Men’s Health” lecture covers alopecia and fungal infections.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

24. An active learning session on dermatology self-care is part of which course?

• a. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5781 Patient Care I

25. A patient with a fungal infection involving the nails (onychomycosis) should be:

• a. Recommended an OTC antifungal cream.
• b. Referred to a physician, as this requires prescription systemic therapy.
• c. Recommended to use a topical antibiotic.
• d. Told the condition is untreatable.

Answer: b. Referred to a physician, as this requires prescription systemic therapy.

26. The most effective management of skin disorders often involves:

• a. Using only pharmacologic therapy.
• a. A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies.
• c. Using only non-pharmacologic therapy.
• d. A “wait and see” approach.

Answer: b. A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies.

27. A patient with which comorbidity should be referred to a physician before self-treating a fungal foot infection?

• a. Allergic rhinitis
• b. Diabetes
• c. Mild hypertension
• d. Gout

Answer: b. Diabetes

28. An active learning session on dermatology self-care is part of which course module?

• a. Module 3: Dermatology Self Care
• b. Module 1: Introduction to Patient Care
• c. Module 5: Pain & Fever Self-Care
• d. Module 7: Reproductive Self-Care

Answer: a. Module 3: Dermatology Self Care

29. The initial management of a mild thermal burn should include:

• a. Applying butter to the burn.
• b. Applying ice directly to the burn.
• c. Immersing the area in cool water for 10-30 minutes.
• d. Immediately wrapping it in a tight, dry bandage.

Answer: c. Immersing the area in cool water for 10-30 minutes.

30. The “Introduction to Dermatology” is a lecture within the Patient Care I curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

31. A key strategy for managing eczema or atopic dermatitis is:

• a. Frequent use of harsh, drying soaps.
• b. Avoiding all moisturizers.
• c. Using lukewarm baths and applying a thick emollient immediately afterward.
• d. Using topical antibiotics daily.

Answer: c. Using lukewarm baths and applying a thick emollient immediately afterward.

32. What is the role of salicylic acid in OTC acne products?

• a. It is an antibiotic.
• b. It is a keratolytic agent that helps unclog pores.
• c. It reduces sebum production.
• d. It is a potent anti-inflammatory.

Answer: b. It is a keratolytic agent that helps unclog pores.

33. A patient may experience an initial increase in hair loss during the first few weeks of using minoxidil.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

34. A pharmacist’s role in self-care includes “triage,” which means:

• a. Determining if a condition is appropriate for self-treatment or needs a medical referral.
• b. Selling the most profitable item.
• c. Diagnosing a rare disease.
• d. Compounding a medication.

Answer: a. Determining if a condition is appropriate for self-treatment or needs a medical referral.

35. A “broad-spectrum” sunscreen is important because:

• a. It protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
• b. It contains both chemical and physical blockers.
• c. It has a very high SPF.
• d. It is water resistant.

Answer: a. It protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

36. A patient with tinea corporis (ringworm) should be advised that the condition is:

• a. Caused by a worm.
• b. Not contagious.
• c. A contagious fungal infection that can be spread by direct contact.
• d. A bacterial infection.

Answer: c. A contagious fungal infection that can be spread by direct contact.

37. How should a patient manage their acne treatment to prevent excessive dryness and irritation?

• a. Use the highest strength product multiple times a day from the start.
• b. Use multiple different active ingredients all at once.
• c. Start with a lower strength product once daily or every other day and titrate up as tolerated.
• d. Scrub the face vigorously with a harsh cleanser before applying medication.

Answer: c. Start with a lower strength product once daily or every other day and titrate up as tolerated.

38. The lecture “Acne Vulgaris Self-Care” is part of which course?

• a. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5781 Patient Care I

39. For maximum sun protection, an adult needs approximately how much sunscreen for their entire body?

• a. A pea-sized amount
• b. A teaspoon
• c. A tablespoon
• d. One ounce (a full shot glass)

Answer: d. One ounce (a full shot glass)

40. An active learning session covering dermatology self-care is part of which course?

• a. PHA5781 Patient Care I
• b. PHA5163L Professional Skills Lab 3
• c. PHA5784C Patient Care 4
• d. PHA5782C Patient Care 2

Answer: a. PHA5781 Patient Care I

41. The goal of self-care management is to empower the patient to safely and effectively treat common, uncomplicated ailments.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

42. Which formulation of a topical antifungal would be most appropriate for a moist, macerated area like between the toes?

• a. A thick ointment
• b. A powder or spray
• c. A cream
• d. A lotion

Answer: b. A powder or spray

43. A pharmacist’s role in managing skin disorders involves recognizing when an OTC product is not working and a referral is necessary.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

44. What is the most important piece of advice for preventing skin cancer?

• a. Using tanning beds instead of sunbathing.
• b. Minimizing cumulative sun exposure and protecting the skin from UV radiation.
• c. Using a low SPF sunscreen.
• d. Getting a “base tan” early in the season.

Answer: b. Minimizing cumulative sun exposure and protecting the skin from UV radiation.

45. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate candidate for self-treatment of acne?

• a. A 16-year-old with a few blackheads and whiteheads.
• b. A 25-year-old with moderate inflammatory acne and scarring.
• c. A 19-year-old with mild papular acne.
• d. A 30-year-old who gets occasional pimples.

Answer: b. A 25-year-old with moderate inflammatory acne and scarring.

46. “Ringworm” is best managed with:

• a. An OTC topical antifungal.
• b. An OTC topical antibiotic.
• c. An OTC topical corticosteroid.
• d. A bandage only.

Answer: a. An OTC topical antifungal.

47. The “Fungal Skin Infections” lecture is part of the Patient Care I curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

48. An active learning session on self-care is part of which course module?

• a. Module 3: Dermatology Self Care
• b. Module 2: Evidence-Based Practice
• c. Module 4: Geriatrics
• d. Module 6: Pain & Fever

Answer: a. Module 3: Dermatology Self Care

49. The overall management of a self-care request for a skin disorder requires:

• a. A quick product recommendation based on the patient’s request.
• b. A systematic assessment using a mnemonic like SCHOLAR-MAC to gather information.
• c. A referral to a physician for every case.
• d. A focus on selling the pharmacy’s private label brand.

Answer: b. A systematic assessment using a mnemonic like SCHOLAR-MAC to gather information.

50. The ultimate goal of learning about the management of skin disorders is to:

• a. Be able to recommend the correct OTC product to improve a patient’s condition safely, while recognizing the limits of self-care.
• b. Become a dermatologist.
• c. Pass the final exam.
• d. Memorize all the brand names of topical creams.

Answer: a. Be able to recommend the correct OTC product to improve a patient’s condition safely, while recognizing the limits of self-care.