Patient Consultation & Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Consultation & Assessment flashcards as text
A patient reports they underwent radiation therapy to the chest 18 months ago. What is the MOST appropriate response during consultation?
Answer: Avoid laser treatment in or near the irradiated field due to compromised skin integrity and healing capacity
Skin that has received radiation therapy may have permanently compromised microcirculation and healing capacity, making it more susceptible to laser-induced injury.
What is the purpose of taking standardized before-and-after photographs during patient consultations and follow-up visits?
Answer: To objectively document treatment outcomes, support clinical decisions, and provide medico-legal protection
Standardized clinical photography provides objective evidence of treatment progress, helps guide parameter adjustments, and is essential for medico-legal documentation.
A patient asks whether laser hair removal will permanently eliminate 100% of hair in the treated area. How should the technician respond?
Answer: Explain that laser provides long-term significant reduction; some fine or hormonal regrowth may occur and maintenance may be needed
The FDA-approved claim for laser hair removal is 'permanent reduction,' not permanent elimination; patients should have realistic expectations about potential regrowth.
A patient has vitiligo on the lower legs and wants laser hair removal in that area. What should the consultation address?
Answer: Depigmented vitiligo patches lack melanin and will not respond to laser hair removal; there is also risk of further depigmentation in surrounding skin
Vitiligo patches are melanin-deficient and non-responsive to melanin-targeting lasers; additionally, the Koebner phenomenon may worsen vitiligo through skin trauma.
When documenting a patient's Fitzpatrick type, the technician is uncertain between Type III and Type IV. What is the safest clinical approach?
Answer: Classify the patient as the higher type (IV) and use more conservative laser parameters
When uncertain between adjacent Fitzpatrick types, defaulting to the higher type ensures more conservative parameters are used, reducing the risk of thermal injury.
A patient wants laser treatment but becomes visibly upset when reviewing the risks section of the consent form. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Take time to address the patient's concerns, ensure understanding, and allow them to make a fully informed decision without pressure
Informed consent requires that patients genuinely understand the risks; emotional responses should trigger a calm, thorough discussion rather than dismissal or proceeding without clarity.
Which of the following represents a RELATIVE contraindication (rather than absolute) for laser treatment, requiring case-by-case clinical judgment?
Answer: Controlled type 2 diabetes in a non-immunocompromised patient
Controlled type 2 diabetes is a relative contraindication; it may affect healing and requires caution, but well-managed patients may still be treated with appropriate precautions and physician clearance.