I MASTER EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS, VERIFIED
ANSWERS & RATIONALES
This premium, high-yield study resource contains comprehensive
multiple-choice questions with verified italicized answers and
bolded rationales tailored specifically for advanced practice
nursing cohorts. It covers essential diagnostics, pharmacologic
interventions, and clinical management strategies across
dermatology, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and
professional nursing roles. Ideal for self-assessment and final
preparation, this document bridges the gap between complex
theoretical concepts and real-world clinical board style
examinations.
Section 1: Dermatology & Skin Integrity (Exam 1
High-Yield)
Q1. A 64-year-old male presents with a slow-
growing, pearly nodule on his right temple that
features telangiectasias and slightly rolled
borders. Which diagnosis is most likely?
A) Squamous cell carcinoma
B) Malignant melanoma
C) Basal cell carcinoma
D) Seborrheic keratosis
Rationale: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
characteristically presents as a pearly, shiny
nodule with prominent telangiectasias and rolled
,or raised borders, most commonly on sun-
exposed areas like the face and neck.
Q2. A patient presents with a painful, unilateral
vesicular eruption following a specific
dermatomal pattern on the left thoracic wall.
Which is the first-line pharmacologic
intervention?
A) Topical hydrocortisone 1%
B) Oral cephalexin
C) Oral acyclovir or valacyclovir
D) Intramuscular triamcinolone
Rationale: This presentation is classic for Herpes
Zoster (Shingles). Systemic antiviral therapy
(e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) should be initiated
within 72 hours of rash onset to reduce the
duration of symptoms and lessen the risk of
postherpetic neuralgia.
Q3. What is the primary foundational
management strategy for a patient diagnosed
with moderate atopic dermatitis?
A) Frequent hot showers to relieve pruritus
B) Frequent application of thick emollients to repair
the skin barrier
C) Intermittent short-term oral corticosteroid bursts
D) Continuous daily topical antibiotic ointments
,Rationale: Atopic dermatitis involves a
compromised skin barrier. The primary therapy
centers on maintaining hydration and barrier
repair via liberal, regular applications of thick
emollients (ointments or creams).
Q4. A 48-year-old female presents with an
intensely pruritic, linear rash in the web spaces
of her fingers and on her wrists, which worsens
significantly at night. What is the definitive
diagnostic method?
A) Skin scraping visualized under microscopy for
mites, eggs, or scybala
B) Wood's lamp examination
C) Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation
D) Bacterial culture of the unroofed lesions
Rationale: The clinical history strongly indicates
Scabies. Identification of the Sarcoptes scabiei
mite, its eggs, or fecal pellets (scybala) via a
mineral oil skin scraping confirms the diagnosis.
Q5. Which lesion description is most
characteristic of a classic plaque psoriasis flare?
A) Honey-colored, crusted pustules on an
erythematous base
B) Silvery-white scales on well-demarcated
erythematous plaques
, C) Targetoid or iris-like lesions with a dusky center
D) Salmon-colored oval patches following a
"Christmas tree" distribution
Rationale: Plaque psoriasis classically presents
as thick, well-demarcated erythematous plaques
covered with silvery-white scales, frequently
located over extensor surfaces like knees and
elbows.
Q6. During an assessment of a shifting mole on a
patient’s back, the Nurse Practitioner notes
asymmetry, irregular borders, and color
variegation. What is the gold standard next step?
A) Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
B) Full-thickness excisional biopsy with narrow
margins
C) Punch biopsy of the darkest area only
D) Application of topical 5-fluorouracil
Rationale: Suspicious lesions meeting the
ABCDE criteria for melanoma require a full-
thickness excisional biopsy rather than a partial
biopsy to ensure accurate histopathological
staging and depth measurement (Breslow
thickness).
Q7. A 22-year-old female presents with an annual
eruption of oval, salmon-colored patches on her