Skin Anatomy & Treatment Selection 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 Skin Anatomy & Treatment Selection flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes the concept of selective photothermolysis?
Answer: Selecting a wavelength and pulse duration to heat a target chromophore while sparing surrounding tissue
Selective photothermolysis pairs a specific wavelength absorbed by the target chromophore with a pulse duration at or below the thermal relaxation time to confine damage.
A client has telangiectasias on the nose. Which wavelength is most selectively absorbed by oxyhemoglobin for vascular targeting?
Answer: 532 nm
The 532 nm wavelength (KTP laser) has a high absorption peak for oxyhemoglobin, making it ideal for superficial vascular lesions.
What is the primary role of Merkel cells in the skin?
Answer: Slow-adapting mechanoreception for touch
Merkel cells are specialized sensory cells in the epidermis that function as slowly adapting mechanoreceptors for fine touch discrimination.
Skin thickness varies significantly across body regions. Which area typically has the thinnest skin, requiring reduced laser fluence?
Answer: Eyelids
Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body, requiring significantly reduced fluence to avoid burns and damage to the underlying ocular structures.
During a laser skin resurfacing consultation, a patient mentions they took isotretinoin 8 months ago. What is the standard recommendation?
Answer: Wait until 12–18 months after discontinuation
A waiting period of 12–18 months after isotretinoin discontinuation is recommended before ablative laser resurfacing due to impaired wound healing.
The papillary dermis differs from the reticular dermis primarily in that it contains:
Answer: Fine loosely arranged collagen fibers and capillary loops
The papillary dermis contains fine loosely organized collagen fibers and capillary loops that nourish the epidermis.
Which condition would be a contraindication to laser hair removal in a patient with Fitzpatrick Type III skin?
Answer: Active herpes simplex infection in the treatment area
Active herpes simplex infection is an absolute contraindication because laser treatment can trigger viral reactivation and spread.