Deck 35: Examination of the Skin and Approach to Diagnosis of Skin Disorders

Question 1

When examining a patient's skin, a practitioner uses dermoscopy for what purpose? (Select all that apply.)

A) Accentuating changes in color of pathologic lesions by fluorescence
B) Assessing changes in pigmentation throughout various lesions
C) Determining whether lesion borders are regular or irregular
D) Differentiating fluid masses from cystic masses in the epidermis
E) Visualizing skin fissures, hair follicles, and pores in lesions

Answer 1

B, C, E

Question 2

A primary care provider is performing a Tzanck test to evaluate possible herpes simplex lesions. To attain accurate results, the provider will perform what intervention?

A) Blanch the lesions while examining them with a magnifying glass.
B) Gently scrape the lesions with a scalpel onto a slide.
C) Perform a gram stain of exudate from the lesions.
D) Remove the top of the vesicles and obtain fluid from the lesions.

Answer 2

D