Patient Consultation & Assessment Flashcards

Which of the following medications should prompt the laser technician to question a patient about increased photosensitivity risk?

Answer: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin) are known photosensitizers that increase the risk of adverse reactions to laser and light-based treatments.

When reviewing a patient's Fitzpatrick Skin Type, which factor is primarily being assessed?

Answer: The skin's response to UV exposure and its baseline pigmentation

The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies skin by its melanin content and how it responds to UV radiation, which directly predicts risk of laser-induced thermal injury.

A patient presents for laser vein treatment and mentions they are on anticoagulant therapy. How does this affect the consultation?

Answer: It may increase bruising and bleeding risk; physician clearance may be required

Anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of purpura and bruising with vascular laser treatments, and physician clearance should be obtained before proceeding.

What does the Glogau Classification System assess during a patient consultation?

Answer: Degree of photodamage and skin aging severity

The Glogau Classification System categorizes photoaging into four groups (I–IV) based on the severity of wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture changes.

A patient discloses they have lupus erythematosus. What is the primary concern for laser treatment?

Answer: Lupus is a photosensitive autoimmune condition that may flare with UV or laser exposure

Lupus erythematosus involves photosensitivity and immune dysregulation; laser energy can trigger flares or exacerbate skin manifestations.

Before performing laser hair removal on the bikini area, which unique consideration should be addressed in the consultation?

Answer: Skin tone uniformity, active infections or folliculitis, and menstrual cycle timing

The bikini zone may have uneven pigmentation, susceptibility to folliculitis, and hormonal fluctuations that can affect hair regrowth; all require discussion during consultation.

A patient rates their pain tolerance as very low and requests topical anesthesia for a full-leg laser hair removal session. What should the technician consider?

Answer: Large-surface-area application of topical anesthetics carries systemic absorption risk; follow dosing guidelines carefully

Applying topical anesthetics (e.g., EMLA) over large body surface areas can result in systemic toxicity due to lidocaine absorption; strict dosing limits and application time must be observed.