CDT Dermatological Assessment Methods 2

Question 1

When using dermoscopy to evaluate a pigmented lesion, which feature is most associated with melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Atypical pigment network with regression structures

Answer

Atypical pigment network combined with regression structures (white scar-like areas or blue-gray peppering) is a key dermoscopic indicator of melanoma.

Question 2

A patient presents with a rash that blanches completely with diascopy. This finding most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Erythema caused by vascular dilation

Answer

Blanching on diascopy indicates that redness is caused by blood in dilated vessels, not extravasated blood, which is consistent with inflammatory erythema.

Question 3

The Nikolsky sign is performed by applying lateral shear pressure to skin. A positive result suggests:

Accepted Answer

Epidermal–dermal adhesion defect

Answer

A positive Nikolsky sign, where skin slides off with gentle pressure, indicates a defect in epidermal cohesion, as seen in pemphigus vulgaris and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

Question 4

Which Wood's lamp finding is characteristic of erythrasma caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum?

Accepted Answer

Coral-red fluorescence

Answer

Erythrasma fluoresces coral-red under Wood's lamp due to porphyrins produced by Corynebacterium minutissimum.

Question 5

When assessing skin turgor in a patient, which site provides the most reliable assessment in elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

Forehead or chest

Answer

In elderly patients, the forehead or chest are preferred sites for turgor assessment because age-related loss of elasticity on the hands makes hand turgor unreliable.

(CDT) Certified Dermatology Tech Practice Test

(CDT) Certified Dermatology Tech Practice Test

CDT Dermatological Assessment Methods 2