Exam Questions and Corresponding Solutions
with Surety of 100% Pass Mark.
Section 6: The Skin, Hair, and Nails
1. A 35-year-old archaeologist comes to your office (located in
Phoenix, Arizona) for a regular skin check-up. She has just returned
from her annual dig site in Greece. She has fair skin and reddish-
blonde hair. She has a family history of melanoma. She has many
freckles scattered across her skin. From this description, which of
the following is not a contributing element for melanoma in this
client?
A) Age
B) Hair color
C) Actinic lentigines
D) Heavy sun exposure
Solution: A
Section: 06
Page and Header: 165, Health Promotion and Counseling
Explanation: The risk for melanoma is increased in people over the age of 50;
our client is 35 years old. The other solutions represent known contributing
elements for melanoma. Especially with a family history of melanoma, she
should be instructed to keep her skin covered when in the sun and use strong
sunscreen on exposed areas.
, 2.You are speaking to an 8th grade class about health prevention
and are preparing to discuss the ABCDEs of melanoma. Which
of the following descriptions correctly defines the ABCDEs?
A) A = actinic; B = basal cell; C = color changes, especially blue; D =
diameter >6 mm; E = evolution
B) A = asymmetry; B = irregular borders; C = color changes, especially
blue; D = diameter >6 mm; E = evolution
C) A = actinic; B = irregular borders; C = keratoses; D = dystrophic nails; E
= evolution
D) A = asymmetry; B = regular borders; C = color changes, especially
orange; D = diameter >6 mm; E
= evolution
Solution: B
Section: 06
Page and Header: 165, Health Promotion and
Counseling Explanation: This is the correct
description for the mnemonic.
3. You are beginning the evaluation of the skin on a 25-year-old
teacher. You have previously elicited that she came to the office for
evaluation of fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. You strongly
suspect that she has hypothyroidism. What is the expected moisture
and texture of the skin of a client with hypothyroidism?
A) Moist and smooth
B) Moist and rough
C) Dry and smooth
D) Dry and rough
,Solution: D
Section: 06
Page and Header: 168, Techniques of Evaluation
Explanation: A client with hypothyroidism is expected to have skin that is dry as
well as rough. This is a good example of how the skin can give clues to
systemic diseases.
4. A 28-year-old client comes to the office for evaluation of a rash. At
first there was only one large patch, but then more marks erupted
suddenly on the back and torso; the marks itch. On physical
evaluation, you note that the pattern of eruption is like a Christmas
tree and that there are a variety of erythematous papules and
macules on the cleavage lines of the back. Based on this description,
what is the most likely conclusion?
A) Pityriasis rosea
B) Tinea versicolor
C) Psoriasis
D) Atopic eczema
Solution: A
Section: 06
Page and Header: 176, Table 6–2
Explanation: This is a classic description of pityriasis rosea. The description of
a large single or “herald” patch preceding the eruption is a good way to
distinguish this rash from other conditions.
5. A 19-year-old construction worker presents for evaluation of a rash.
He notes that it started on his back with a multitude of spots and is
also on his arms, chest, and neck. It itches a lot. He does sweat more
, than before because being outdoors is part of his job. On physical
evaluation, you note dark tan patches with a reddish cast that has
sharp borders and fine scales, scattered more prominently around the
upper back, chest, neck, and upper arms as well as under the arms.
Based on this description, what is your most likely conclusion?
A) Pityriasis rosea
B) Tinea versicolor
C) Psoriasis
D) Atopic eczema
Solution: B
Section: 06
Page and Header: 176, Table 6–2
Explanation: This is a typical description of tinea versicolor. The information
that the client is sweating more also helps support this conclusion, because tinea
is a fungal infection and is promoted by moisture.
6. A 68-year-old retired farmer comes to your office for evaluation of a
skin mark. On the right temporal area of the forehead, you see a
flattened papule the same color as his skin, covered by a dry scale
that is round and feels hard. He has several more of these scattered on
the forehead, arms, and legs. Based on this description, what is your
most likely conclusion?
A) Actinic keratosis
B) Seborrheic keratosis
C) Basal cell carcinoma