NUR 6111 Dermatologic Disorders 2026 – William Peterson University
1. Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for providing structural
strength and contains collagen and elastin fibers?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that contains
blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and connective tissue like
collagen and elastin.
2. A flat, non-palpable skin lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter is known as
a:
A. Papule
B. Plaque
C. Macule
D. Patch
Answer: C
Rationale: A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 cm wide. If it were
larger than 1 cm, it would be a patch.
,3. Which cell type in the epidermis is responsible for the production of pigment
that protects against UV radiation?
A. Keratinocytes
B. Melanocytes
C. Merkel cells
D. Langerhans cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color and
protection against ultraviolet radiation.
4. An elevated, solid lesion that is larger than 2 cm in diameter and extends
deep into the dermis is called a:
A. Nodule
B. Tumor
C. Wheal
D. Pustule
Answer: B
Rationale: A tumor is a solid mass larger than 2 cm; a nodule is typically between 1 and 2
cm and also extends into the dermis.
5. The presence of ‘honey-colored crusts’ is a classic clinical finding for which
bacterial skin infection?
A. Cellulitis
B. Folliculitis
C. Erysipelas
D. Impetigo
Answer: D
Rationale: Non-bullous impetigo is characterized by vesicles or pustules that rupture and
leave behind a characteristic honey-colored crust.
, 6. A patient presents with a ‘herald patch’ followed by a ‘Christmas tree’
distribution of smaller lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Pityriasis rosea
B. Psoriasis
C. Tinea corporis
D. Secondary syphilis
Answer: A
Rationale: Pityriasis rosea typically begins with a single herald patch followed by a
generalized eruption of smaller oval lesions along skin tension lines.
7. Which of the following describes a secondary skin lesion?
A. Scale
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Cyst
Answer: A
Rationale: Secondary lesions result from changes in primary lesions; scales represent shed
dead keratinized cells.
8. Silver, micaceous scales on erythematous plaques located on the extensor
surfaces are hallmark signs of:
A. Atopic dermatitis
B. Seborrheic dermatitis
C. Contact dermatitis
D. Psoriasis
Answer: D
Rationale: Psoriasis vulgaris classically presents as well-demarcated erythematous
plaques with silvery scales, often on elbows and knees.
1. Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for providing structural
strength and contains collagen and elastin fibers?
A. Epidermis
B. Dermis
C. Hypodermis
D. Stratum corneum
Answer: B
Rationale: The dermis is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that contains
blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and connective tissue like
collagen and elastin.
2. A flat, non-palpable skin lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter is known as
a:
A. Papule
B. Plaque
C. Macule
D. Patch
Answer: C
Rationale: A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 cm wide. If it were
larger than 1 cm, it would be a patch.
,3. Which cell type in the epidermis is responsible for the production of pigment
that protects against UV radiation?
A. Keratinocytes
B. Melanocytes
C. Merkel cells
D. Langerhans cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color and
protection against ultraviolet radiation.
4. An elevated, solid lesion that is larger than 2 cm in diameter and extends
deep into the dermis is called a:
A. Nodule
B. Tumor
C. Wheal
D. Pustule
Answer: B
Rationale: A tumor is a solid mass larger than 2 cm; a nodule is typically between 1 and 2
cm and also extends into the dermis.
5. The presence of ‘honey-colored crusts’ is a classic clinical finding for which
bacterial skin infection?
A. Cellulitis
B. Folliculitis
C. Erysipelas
D. Impetigo
Answer: D
Rationale: Non-bullous impetigo is characterized by vesicles or pustules that rupture and
leave behind a characteristic honey-colored crust.
, 6. A patient presents with a ‘herald patch’ followed by a ‘Christmas tree’
distribution of smaller lesions. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Pityriasis rosea
B. Psoriasis
C. Tinea corporis
D. Secondary syphilis
Answer: A
Rationale: Pityriasis rosea typically begins with a single herald patch followed by a
generalized eruption of smaller oval lesions along skin tension lines.
7. Which of the following describes a secondary skin lesion?
A. Scale
B. Pustule
C. Vesicle
D. Cyst
Answer: A
Rationale: Secondary lesions result from changes in primary lesions; scales represent shed
dead keratinized cells.
8. Silver, micaceous scales on erythematous plaques located on the extensor
surfaces are hallmark signs of:
A. Atopic dermatitis
B. Seborrheic dermatitis
C. Contact dermatitis
D. Psoriasis
Answer: D
Rationale: Psoriasis vulgaris classically presents as well-demarcated erythematous
plaques with silvery scales, often on elbows and knees.
