Practice Test Geeks(CDT) Certified Dermatology Tech Practice Test
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Dermatological Assessment Methods Flashcards

7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. The Tzanck smear is a rapid diagnostic test used primarily to identify:

    Answer: Multinucleated giant cells in herpesvirus infections

    The Tzanck smear identifies multinucleated giant cells (viral cytopathic effect) from the base of herpetic vesicles, confirming HSV or VZV infection.

  2. A dermatology technician assesses a patient using the Fitzpatrick skin phototype scale. A Type II patient is expected to:

    Answer: Burn easily, tan minimally

    Fitzpatrick Type II skin burns easily with minimal sun exposure and tans minimally; these patients require heightened sun protection counseling.

  3. A patient presents with a lesion described as 'lichenified.' The technician should document this as:

    Answer: Thickened skin with exaggerated skin markings due to chronic rubbing

    Lichenification refers to thickened, leathery skin with exaggerated surface markings resulting from chronic scratching or rubbing, commonly seen in atopic dermatitis.

  4. During assessment of a wound, the technician identifies 'undermining.' This means:

    Answer: Tissue destruction extends beneath intact skin surrounding the wound

    Undermining describes tissue destruction that extends beyond the wound margins under intact-appearing skin, creating a pocket or cave-like area.

  5. To assess sensory neuropathy in a diabetic patient during a dermatological skin check, the technician would most commonly use a:

    Answer: 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament

    The 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is the standard tool for detecting loss of protective sensation in diabetic peripheral neuropathy during foot skin assessments.

  6. When measuring a skin lesion, the technician notes it is 0.4 cm. The correct documentation term for this size of solid elevation would be:

    Answer: Papule

    A papule is a solid, elevated lesion less than 1 cm in diameter; at 0.4 cm, this lesion meets the papule definition.

  7. The 'burrow' is a characteristic primary lesion type associated with which condition?

    Answer: Scabies

    Burrows are tunnel-like linear tracks created by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite burrowing into the stratum corneum, pathognomonic for scabies.