CANS Pharmacology & Medications in Aesthetics 2

Question 1

Which class of dermal filler is considered fully reversible and carries the lowest long-term complication risk profile?

Accepted Answer

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

Answer

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the only type reversible with hyaluronidase and are naturally biodegradable, making them the safest option when complications arise.

Question 2

A patient taking a non-selective beta-blocker presents for lip filler. Why does epinephrine-containing local anesthetic require caution?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockade leaves alpha-adrenergic effects of epinephrine unopposed, risking paradoxical hypertension

Answer

With beta-receptors blocked, epinephrine's alpha-adrenergic vasoconstrictive and vasopressive effects are unopposed, which can trigger severe hypertension and reflex bradycardia.

Question 3

Antiviral prophylaxis with valacyclovir or acyclovir is strongly recommended before which aesthetic procedures in susceptible patients?

Accepted Answer

Patients with a history of oral herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) before lip injections or ablative laser

Answer

Trauma from lip injections or ablative laser can reactivate latent HSV-1, causing a painful outbreak; prophylactic antivirals started 1-2 days before and continued for 3-5 days after treatment prevent reactivation.

Question 4

A patient is taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation and desires elective botulinum toxin injections. The most appropriate management is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult the prescribing physician before any anticoagulation modification, balancing bleeding vs. thromboembolic risk

Answer

Stopping anticoagulation without medical supervision poses serious thromboembolic risks; the prescribing physician must weigh this against the procedural bleeding risk and may approve proceeding on anticoagulation for low-risk injections.

Question 5

Aspirin and NSAIDs should ideally be discontinued how many days before aesthetic injectable treatments to minimize bruising risk?

Accepted Answer

7–10 days

Answer

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet COX for the platelet's lifespan (~7–10 days), while NSAIDs reversibly inhibit COX; both should be stopped 7–10 days before procedures to allow platelet recovery.

(CANS) Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Practice Test

(CANS) Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Practice Test

CANS Pharmacology & Medications in Aesthetics 2