MCQ Quiz: Patient Care of Skin Disorders

Providing patient care for common skin disorders is a daily responsibility for pharmacists, particularly in the community setting. This involves much more than just recommending a product; it requires careful patient assessment, evidence-based recommendations, and effective counseling. As detailed in the Patient Care I “Dermatology Self-Care” module “, pharmacists are essential guides for patients navigating these conditions. This quiz will test your knowledge on the practical, patient-centered aspects of managing common dermatologic conditions.

1. A patient asks for a recommendation for their acne. What is the most important first step in providing patient care?

• a. Recommending the strongest available product.
• b. Assessing the patient’s acne severity and determining if they are a candidate for self-care.
• c. Asking for their insurance information.
• d. Recommending a popular skincare brand.

Answer: b. Assessing the patient’s acne severity and determining if they are a candidate for self-care.

2. Which of the following is an “exclusion for self-treatment” for acne, requiring a referral to a physician?

• a. A few blackheads on the nose.
• b. Mild papular acne.
• c. Severe, nodular acne with scarring.
• d. Acne that has been present for two weeks.

Answer: c. Severe, nodular acne with scarring.

3. When counseling a patient starting an OTC topical retinoid like adapalene, the pharmacist should inform the patient that:

• a. Their skin may initially get worse before it gets better.
• b. They should use sunscreen as the product can increase sun sensitivity.
• c. It should be applied as a thin layer to the entire affected area, not as a spot treatment.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

4. The “teach-back” method is a patient care tool to assess:

• a. A patient’s willingness to pay.
• b. A patient’s understanding of the counseling provided.
• c. A patient’s past medical history.
• d. A patient’s insurance coverage.

Answer: b. A patient’s understanding of the counseling provided.

5. A patient with tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) should be counseled to:

• a. Keep their feet moist to soothe the skin.
• b. Wear nylon socks and occlusive footwear.
• c. Continue using the antifungal for 1-2 weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence.
• d. Stop using the product as soon as the itching goes away.

Answer: c. Continue using the antifungal for 1-2 weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence.

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. A key patient care role for pharmacists in sun protection is:

• a. To diagnose skin cancer.
• b. To educate patients on how to properly apply sunscreen and other sun avoidance strategies.
• c. To recommend tanning beds as a safer alternative.
• d. To only recommend sunscreens with an SPF below 15.

Answer: b. To educate patients on how to properly apply sunscreen and other sun avoidance strategies.

8. A patient is buying an OTC antifungal cream for what they believe is “ringworm” on their arm. A key assessment question is:

• a. “Have you tried this before?”
• b. “How large is the affected area?”
• c. “Does anyone else in your family have it?”
• d. All of the above are important assessment questions.

Answer: d. All of the above are important assessment questions.

9. The most important patient care advice for preventing the spread of fungal skin infections is:

• a. To share towels with family members.
• b. To practice good personal hygiene, such as not sharing towels and keeping affected areas clean and dry.
• c. To stop all treatment once symptoms improve.
• d. To wear occlusive clothing over the affected area.

Answer: b. To practice good personal hygiene, such as not sharing towels and keeping affected areas clean and dry.

10. What is a key counseling point for a patient buying an OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream for an itchy rash?

• a. It can be used on the entire body for months at a time.
• b. It should be applied as a very thick layer.
• c. It is for short-term use on small areas, and if the rash worsens or doesn’t improve in 7 days, they should see a doctor.
• d. It is a potent antifungal.

Answer: c. It is for short-term use on small areas, and if the rash worsens or doesn’t improve in 7 days, they should see a doctor.

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. A patient with which of the following conditions should be referred to a physician before self-treating a fungal foot infection?

• a. Diabetes
• b. Seasonal allergies
• c. Mild acne
• d. A common cold

Answer: a. Diabetes

13. The “patient counseling” component of providing care is covered in which courses?

• a. Professional Skills Labs
• b. Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs)
• c. Patient Care therapeutics courses
• d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above

14. A patient using a topical product for the first time should be advised to:

• a. Apply it to their entire body to check for a reaction.
• b. Test the product on a small area of skin first.
• c. Mix it with other creams to dilute it.
• d. Apply a heating pad over the area to increase absorption.

Answer: b. Test the product on a small area of skin first.

15. Providing self-care recommendations is a key objective for student pharmacists in the community IPPE.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

16. A patient asks for the “best” acne product. The most appropriate patient-centered response is:

• a. “The most expensive one is the best.”
• b. “They are all the same.”
• c. “It depends on your skin type and the type of acne you have. Can you tell me more about your skin?”
• d. “You should use benzoyl peroxide.”

Answer: c. “It depends on your skin type and the type of acne you have. Can you tell me more about your skin?”

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 aspect of patient care for skin disorders is:

• a. Emphasizing that results take time and consistent use is necessary.
• b. Guaranteeing a cure in 24 hours.
• c. Recommending the most complicated regimen possible.
• d. Discouraging non-pharmacologic measures.

Answer: a. Emphasizing that results take time and consistent use is necessary.

19. A pharmacist’s patient care role includes identifying potential drug-induced skin reactions, such as:

• a. A rash from an antibiotic.
• b. Photosensitivity from a tetracycline.
• c. An acneiform rash from a corticosteroid.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

20. A patient presents with a single mole that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, and is multiple colors. The appropriate patient care action is:

• a. To recommend an OTC wart remover.
• b. To recommend hydrocortisone cream.
• c. To strongly recommend immediate referral to a physician or dermatologist.
• d. To tell the patient to monitor it for a few months.

Answer: c. To strongly recommend immediate referral to a physician or dermatologist.

21. A mother asks for a recommendation for her 10-year-old’s acne. The pharmacist should:

• a. Recommend the strongest available product.
• b. Assess the severity and provide counseling, as mild acne is common in this age group.
• c. Refuse to recommend anything because the child is too young.
• d. Tell the mother it is just “dirt” and to wash the child’s face more.

Answer: b. Assess the severity and provide counseling, as mild acne is common in this age group.

22. A key counseling point for any topical medication is:

• a. It is safe to ingest.
• b. To wash hands before and after application.
• c. To share it with family members who have a similar condition.
• d. To apply it to the eyes unless specified.

Answer: b. To wash hands before and after application.

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 tinea cruris (“jock itch”) should be advised to use a separate towel for the groin area than for the rest of their body to prevent:

• a. The towel from getting dirty.
• b. The infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
• c. The medication from getting on the towel.
• d. The towel from smelling bad.

Answer: b. The infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

26. The “SCHOLAR-MAC” acronym is a tool used by pharmacists to:

• a. Perform a systematic patient assessment for a self-care complaint.
• b. Calculate a drug dose.
• c. Document a prescription.
• d. Appraise a clinical trial.

Answer: a. Perform a systematic patient assessment for a self-care complaint.

27. A key aspect of patient care is building a trusting relationship so the patient feels comfortable discussing their health issues.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

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 ultimate goal of providing patient care for skin disorders is:

• a. To make a definitive diagnosis.
• b. To ensure the patient receives safe, effective, and appropriate therapy for their condition.
• c. To sell a product.
• d. To practice counseling skills.

Answer: b. To ensure the patient receives safe, effective, and appropriate therapy for their condition.

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

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

31. A patient is buying sunscreen. The pharmacist provides patient care by:

• a. Recommending a product with an SPF of at least 30 and broad-spectrum coverage.
• b. Explaining how much to apply (“one ounce”).
• c. Reminding them to reapply every 2 hours.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

32. A patient with a severe, blistering sunburn should:

• a. Be referred to a physician.
• b. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly.
• c. Pop the blisters.
• d. Apply a high-potency steroid cream from a family member.

Answer: a. Be referred to a physician.

33. The principles of self-care are a foundational component of the Patient Care I course.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

34. The “patient care” aspect of managing acne includes:

• a. Counseling on realistic expectations for treatment.
• b. Discussing non-pharmacologic measures like gentle cleansing.
• c. Helping the patient select a product appropriate for their skin type (e.g., a less drying formulation for sensitive skin).
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

35. A key part of patient care is triage – knowing when a condition is beyond the scope of self-treatment.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

36. A patient is buying minoxidil for hair loss. A key patient care counseling point is:

• a. The drug works by blocking testosterone.
• b. Results are seen in one week.
• c. The product must be used continuously, or the new hair will fall out.
• d. It can also be used on the eyebrows.

Answer: c. The product must be used continuously, or the new hair will fall out.

37. Which of the following would require a medical referral?

• a. A 20-year-old with mild athlete’s foot.
• b. A 45-year-old with a small patch of ringworm on their arm.
• c. A 55-year-old with diabetes and a non-healing ulcer on their foot.
• d. A 16-year-old with a few blackheads.

Answer: c. A 55-year-old with diabetes and a non-healing ulcer on their foot.

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. Part of providing patient care for skin disorders is understanding when a prescription therapy is more appropriate than an OTC product.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

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. A patient with a skin complaint says, “I think I need an antibiotic.” The best patient care response is:

• a. “Okay, let me call your doctor and ask for one.”
• b. “Antibiotics don’t work for skin problems.”
• c. “Can you tell me more about your symptoms? Many skin rashes are not caused by bacteria and won’t respond to antibiotics.”
• d. “You can buy topical neomycin over the counter.”

Answer: c. “Can you tell me more about your symptoms? Many skin rashes are not caused by bacteria and won’t respond to antibiotics.”

42. Which is the most appropriate base for a medication to be applied to a weeping, oozing rash like poison ivy?

• a. A thick ointment
• b. A cream or a lotion (a drying base)
• c. Petroleum jelly
• d. An oil

Answer: b. A cream or a lotion (a drying base)

43. A pharmacist’s role in patient care is limited to what happens inside the pharmacy.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

44. What is a key counseling point for a parent buying sunscreen for their child?

• a. It is better to use a sunscreen designed for children.
• b. A physical blocker like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is often preferred for sensitive skin.
• c. Sunscreen should not be used on infants under 6 months old; they should be kept out of the sun.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

45. Which of the following represents good patient care?

• a. Assuming the patient knows how to use the product they selected.
• b. Proactively offering counseling and asking open-ended questions.
• c. Rushing through the transaction to save time.
• d. Recommending a product without asking about symptoms or other medical conditions.

Answer: b. Proactively offering counseling and asking open-ended questions.

46. A patient asks if their athlete’s foot cream can be used for their jock itch. A good patient care response is:

• a. “No, you must buy a different product.”
• b. “Yes, the active ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole are often the same and can be used for both conditions.”
• c. “You should use a steroid cream instead.”
• d. “I don’t know.”

Answer: b. “Yes, the active ingredients like clotrimazole or miconazole are often the same and can be used for both conditions.”

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 goal of patient care for self-treatable skin disorders is to:

• a. Guide the patient to a safe and effective outcome.
• b. Prevent the patient from spending too much money.
• c. Make a medical diagnosis.
• d. Increase pharmacy sales.

Answer: a. Guide the patient to a safe and effective outcome.

50. The ultimate reason to learn about patient care for skin disorders is to:

• a. Fulfill the role of the pharmacist as the most accessible healthcare provider for common health concerns.
• b. Pass the self-care portion of the NAPLEX.
• c. Both a and b.
• d. Neither a nor b.

Answer: c. Both a and b.