WGU D027 Dermatologic & Clinical
Assessment in Older Adults Objective Exam –
Latest with Complete 500 Questions and
Verified Answers
Official Exam Overview:
The WGU D027 OA evaluates learners’ knowledge and clinical reasoning in the care of older adults,
including dermatologic conditions, infectious triggers, and autoimmune-related disorders. The exam
emphasizes disease identification, pathophysiology, and nursing interventions for skin conditions,
particularly those triggered by viruses or other external antigens. Learners are expected to
distinguish between self-limiting viral diseases and conditions caused by autoimmune or bacterial
mechanisms.
Exam Coverage Areas:
• Common dermatologic conditions in older adults
• Viral, bacterial, and autoimmune skin disorders
• Identification of hallmark signs, such as herald patches in Pityriasis rosea
• Disease progression and self-limiting versus chronic skin disorders
• Nursing interventions and patient education for skin conditions
• Differential diagnosis between similar-appearing dermatologic diseases
• Triggering factors, including Herpes viruses and medications
QUESTION 1:
Which of the following is a self-limiting disease associated with Herpes type viruses and a herald
patch?
A) Lichen planus
B) Acne vulgaris
C) Erythema multiforme
D) Pityriasis rosea ✅
Rationale:
Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting dermatologic condition triggered by Herpes viruses, often
beginning with a herald patch. Other conditions listed are generally caused by autoimmune
dysregulation, bacteria, or foreign antigens.
QUESTION 2:
What is the “herald patch” in Pityriasis rosea?
,A) A symptom of pruritus
B) The first large, single lesion that appears before generalized rash ✅
C) A vesicular blister
D) A scarring site
Rationale:
The herald patch is a single, larger lesion that precedes the widespread rash in Pityriasis rosea,
serving as an early clinical marker.
QUESTION 3:
Which of the following skin conditions is primarily autoimmune in origin?
A) Pityriasis rosea
B) Lichen planus ✅
C) Herpes zoster
D) Chickenpox
Rationale:
Lichen planus is an autoimmune-related dermatologic condition, unlike Pityriasis rosea, which is
virus-triggered and self-limiting.
QUESTION 4:
How is Pityriasis rosea typically managed?
A) Aggressive systemic antibiotics
B) Symptomatic treatment and reassurance ✅
C) Corticosteroids for all patients
D) Surgical removal of lesions
Rationale:
Pityriasis rosea is self-limiting, resolving spontaneously. Management focuses on relief of
symptoms, such as pruritus, rather than aggressive treatment.
QUESTION 5:
Which factor is most commonly associated with triggering Pityriasis rosea?
A) Bacterial infection
B) Herpes viruses ✅
C) Allergic reaction to food
D) Autoimmune response
Rationale:
Herpes virus infection (HHV-6 or HHV-7) is often implicated as a trigger for Pityriasis rosea,
distinguishing it from autoimmune or bacterial dermatologic conditions.
,Which of the following is a self-limiting disease associated with Herpes type viruses and a
herald patch? - ANSWER-Pityriasis rosea -
Lichen planus, acne vulgaris, and erythema multiforme are conditions generally associated with
or caused by autoimmune dysregulation, bacteria, and varieties of foreign antigen
(medications, virus, etc.). Pityriasis rosea in particular is associated with and triggered by
Herpes viruses, manifesting itself as a herald patch.
What is a furuncle? - ANSWER-An infection of the hair follicle that extends to the surrounding
tissue -
Abscess, dermis, and fungal infections are generally more widespread or larger processes that
require broad or systemic treatment. A furuncle, though uncomfortable to painful, is a
generally localized infection that is self-resolving or that requires local, minor treatment.
What type of lesion may be malignant in the form of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)? -
ANSWER-Actinic keratosis -
Actinic keratosis, which is caused by exposure to UV radiation, is a precursor lesion of SCC
What type of abnormal cell growth does carcinoma refer to? - ANSWER-Epithelial cells -
Carcinoma refers to dysplastic epithelial cells that have penetrated the entire thickness of the
epithelium into the basement membrane.
What is a characteristic of a malignant tumor? - ANSWER-Absence of normal tissue organization
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Healthy tissue is made up of non-cancerous cells that are well-differentiated, connected via a
well-organized stroma and that stay put. Malignant tumors lack those characteristics as well as
normal tissue organization.
Which lifestyle factor has not been linked to the development of cancer? - ANSWER-Extreme
exercise -
Tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol consumption are causal for numerous cancers, which can be
prevented. Exercise helps prevent colon cancer and likely helps prevent endometrial, breast,
and other cancers as well.
Which pediatric malignancy is linked to the family of origin? - ANSWER-Wilms tumor -
Wilms tumor is kidney cancer in childhood caused by inherited genes. The main causes of liver
cancer are hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and alcohol use. The main cause of cervical cancer is
HPV infection. Leukemia is caused by mutations to hematopoietic stem cells.
Which of the following drugs is classified as hormonal treatment for breast cancer? - ANSWER-
Tamoxifen -
Lapatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Paclitaxil is an antimicrotubule agent. Rituximab is a
CD20-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody. Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen medication used in
the treatment of estrogen-linked breast cancer.
Where do the cancers treated with glucocorticoids stem from? - ANSWER-Lymphoid tissue -
Glucocorticoids, along with other medications, are used to treat cancers of the lymphoid tissue
(lymphocytic leukemias, Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and multiple myeloma).
A 23-year-old woman comes in for prenatal counseling. While completing her family history,
she reports her brother has cystic fibrosis. She does not know if she is a carrier. She asks if her
children will be affected by the disease.
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