MCQ Quiz: Skin Disorders

Skin disorders are one of the most common reasons patients seek self-care advice in a pharmacy. Pharmacists, guided by the knowledge from the Patient Care I “Dermatology Self-Care” module “, 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 management of common dermatologic conditions like acne, fungal infections, and the principles of sun protection.

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary pathophysiologic factors in acne vulgaris?

• a. Increased sebum production
• b. Altered keratinization
• c. Proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus
• d. Inflammation

Answer: c. Proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus

2. What is the primary mechanism of action for benzoyl peroxide in treating acne?

• a. It is antibacterial against C. acnes and is keratolytic.
• b. It reduces sebum production.
• c. It normalizes cell turnover only.
• d. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Answer: a. It is antibacterial against C. acnes and is keratolytic.

3. Adapalene is an over-the-counter topical agent for acne that belongs to which drug class?

• a. An antibiotic
• b. A retinoid
• c. An alpha-hydroxy acid
• d. A beta-hydroxy acid

Answer: b. A retinoid

4. A key counseling point for a patient starting adapalene gel is that:

• a. It should be used as a spot treatment only.
• b. Acne may appear to worsen for the first few weeks of use.
• c. It does not cause photosensitivity.
• d. It works best when combined with an oil-based moisturizer.

Answer: b. Acne may appear to worsen for the first few weeks of use.

5. A patient with severe, nodulocystic acne should be:

• a. Recommended to start OTC benzoyl peroxide 10%.
• b. Referred to a physician or dermatologist for prescription therapy.
• c. Recommended to try salicylic acid wash.
• d. Counseled on a better diet.

Answer: b. Referred to a physician or dermatologist for prescription therapy.

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. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on a sunscreen label is a measure of its protection against which type of UV radiation?

• a. UVA rays
• b. UVB rays
• c. UVC rays
• d. All UV rays equally

Answer: b. UVB rays

8. A sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” protects against:

• a. Only UVA rays
• b. Only UVB rays
• c. Both UVA and UVB rays
• d. Infrared radiation

Answer: c. Both UVA and UVB rays

9. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical sunscreens that work by:

• a. Absorbing UV radiation and converting it to heat.
• b. Reflecting and scattering UV radiation.
• c. Repairing sun-damaged DNA.
• d. Neutralizing free radicals in the skin.

Answer: b. Reflecting and scattering UV radiation.

10. What is the minimum recommended SPF for daily use?

• a. SPF 8
• b. SPF 15
• c. SPF 30
• d. SPF 50

Answer: c. SPF 30

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 should be counseled to reapply sunscreen:

• a. Only once in the morning.
• b. At least every 2 hours, and more often after swimming or sweating.
• c. Only if they feel their skin starting to burn.
• d. Every 4 hours, regardless of activity.

Answer: b. At least every 2 hours, and more often after swimming or sweating.

13. Tinea pedis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the:

• a. Groin (“jock itch”)
• b. Body (“ringworm”)
• c. Feet (“athlete’s foot”)
• d. Scalp

Answer: c. Feet (“athlete’s foot”)

14. Which OTC antifungal class often allows for a shorter duration of treatment (e.g., 1 week) for athlete’s foot?

• a. Tolnaftate
• b. Azoles (clotrimazole, miconazole)
• c. Allylamines (terbinafine, butenafine)
• d. Topical hydrocortisone

Answer: c. Allylamines (terbinafine, butenafine)

15. A key non-pharmacologic counseling point for a patient with tinea cruris (“jock itch”) is:

• a. To wear tight-fitting synthetic underwear.
• b. To keep the groin area clean and dry.
• c. To apply a heating pad to the area.
• d. To stop exercising.

Answer: b. To keep the groin area clean and dry.

16. Which of the following is an exclusion for self-treatment of a fungal skin infection?

• a. The infection is on the foot.
• b. The infection involves the nails or scalp.
• c. The patient is a healthy 30-year-old.
• d. The rash is mildly itchy.

Answer: b. The infection involves the nails or scalp.

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

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

18. When applying a topical antifungal cream for tinea corporis (“ringworm”), the patient should be advised to:

• a. Apply it only to the center of the lesion.
• b. Apply it to the affected area and about 1-2 inches beyond the border of the rash.
• c. Apply a very thick layer once a week.
• d. Stop applying it as soon as the itching stops.

Answer: b. Apply it to the affected area and about 1-2 inches beyond the border of the rash.

19. What is the most important role of a pharmacist in self-care?

• a. To sell the most expensive product.
• b. To assess the patient’s condition and determine if they are an appropriate candidate for self-treatment or if they need a referral.
• c. To diagnose rare skin diseases.
• d. To recommend a product without asking any questions.

Answer: b. To assess the patient’s condition and determine if they are an appropriate candidate for self-treatment or if they need a referral.

20. A “comedone” in acne can be open (a blackhead) or closed (a whitehead).

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

21. A patient complains of a single, itchy mosquito bite. An appropriate OTC recommendation would be:

• a. Oral terbinafine
• b. Topical hydrocortisone 1% cream
• c. Benzoyl peroxide wash
• d. An oral antibiotic

Answer: b. Topical hydrocortisone 1% cream

22. The “ABCDEs” of melanoma are a tool for assessing moles. The “B” stands for:

• a. Black color
• b. Border irregularity
• c. Big size
• d. Baseline

Answer: b. Border irregularity

23. The “Self-care for Men’s Health” lecture covers 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 key counseling point for a patient using benzoyl peroxide is that it can:

• a. Improve skin hydration.
• b. Cause photosensitivity.
• c. Bleach hair, towels, and clothing.
• d. Both b and c.

Answer: d. Both b and c.

26. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works in acne primarily as a:

• a. Keratolytic agent.
• b. Potent antibiotic.
• c. Sebum reducer.
• d. Anti-inflammatory.

Answer: a. Keratolytic agent.

27. Sunscreen should be applied how long before sun exposure?

• a. Immediately before going outside.
• b. At least 15-30 minutes before going outside.
• c. The night before.
• d. 2 hours before going outside.

Answer: b. At least 15-30 minutes before going outside.

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 main difference between a cream and an ointment formulation is that ointments are:

• a. More water-based and less greasy.
• b. More oil-based, more occlusive, and greasier.
• c. Always less potent.
• d. Designed to be drying.

Answer: b. More oil-based, more occlusive, and greasier.

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

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

31. A patient with athlete’s foot should be counseled to put their socks on before their underwear to prevent:

• a. The infection from spreading to their feet.
• b. The infection from spreading to their hands.
• c. The infection from spreading to their groin (autoinoculation leading to tinea cruris).
• d. Their socks from smelling.

Answer: c. The infection from spreading to their groin (autoinoculation leading to tinea cruris).

32. A patient with a fungal skin infection shows signs of a secondary bacterial infection (e.g., oozing pus, significant inflammation). The pharmacist should:

• a. Recommend a stronger antifungal.
• b. Recommend a topical antibiotic in addition to the antifungal.
• c. Refer the patient to a physician.
• d. Recommend hydrocortisone.

Answer: c. Refer the patient to a physician.

33. The principles of self-care are a foundational component of the curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

34. Which sunscreen ingredient provides the best broad-spectrum coverage, including against long-wave UVA?

• a. Oxybenzone
• b. Octinoxate
• c. Zinc oxide
• d. Homosalate

Answer: c. Zinc oxide

35. A “comedogenic” cosmetic product is one that:

• a. Helps to treat acne.
• b. Tends to clog pores and may worsen acne.
• c. Is oil-free.
• d. Contains a sunscreen.

Answer: b. Tends to clog pores and may worsen acne.

36. For mild acne, what is the best initial approach?

• a. A low-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product and a gentle skin care regimen.
• b. Oral isotretinoin.
• c. A topical antibiotic.
• d. A systemic corticosteroid.

Answer: a. A low-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product and a gentle skin care regimen.

37. The term “tinea” refers to a skin infection caused by a:

• a. Virus
• b. Bacterium
• c. Fungus (dermatophyte)
• d. Parasite

Answer: c. Fungus (dermatophyte)

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. A patient’s skin should be completely dry before applying which OTC acne medication to reduce irritation?

• a. Salicylic acid wash
• b. Benzoyl peroxide gel
• c. Adapalene gel
• d. Both b and c.

Answer: d. Both b and c.

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 most effective way to prevent sunburn is to:

• a. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15.
• b. Get a “base tan” before going on vacation.
• c. Use a comprehensive approach including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• d. Apply sunscreen only to the face.

Answer: c. Use a comprehensive approach including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

42. Which formulation is best for applying medication to a hairy area of the body?

• a. Ointment
• b. Cream
• c. Solution, foam, or spray
• d. Paste

Answer: c. Solution, foam, or spray

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

• a. Selling a product.
• b. Determining if a patient’s condition is suitable for self-treatment or requires referral to another healthcare provider.
• c. Diagnosing a rare condition.
• d. Compounding a medication.

Answer: b. Determining if a patient’s condition is suitable for self-treatment or requires referral to another healthcare provider.

44. A patient should be advised that the full effect of topical acne treatments may take how long to become apparent?

• a. 24 hours
• b. 3 days
• c. 1 week
• d. 4-8 weeks

Answer: d. 4-8 weeks

45. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for skin cancer?

• a. A history of sunburns.
• b. Fair skin that burns easily.
• c. A family history of melanoma.
• d. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Answer: d. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen.

46. “Ringworm” is caused by a worm.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: b. False

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. Recommending the product the patient saw on TV.
• b. A systematic assessment of the patient and their symptoms.
• c. A referral for every patient.
• d. Selling the product with the highest profit margin.

Answer: b. A systematic assessment of the patient and their symptoms.

50. The ultimate goal of learning about dermatology self-care is to:

• a. Be able to safely and effectively guide patients in managing common skin conditions while recognizing the limits of self-treatment.
• b. Become a dermatologist.
• c. Pass the final exam.
• d. Memorize all the brand names of topical antifungals.

Answer: a. Be able to safely and effectively guide patients in managing common skin conditions while recognizing the limits of self-treatment.