Practice Test GeeksSPEX Exam Practice Test
← All SPEX Flashcard Decks

Dermatology Flashcards

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

Read the first 7 Dermatology flashcards as text

  1. A 45-year-old woman presents with target-like lesions on her palms and oral erosions after starting trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. What is the most likely diagnosis?

    Answer: Erythema multiforme major (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

    Stevens-Johnson syndrome (erythema multiforme major) is characterized by target lesions, mucosal erosions, and is commonly triggered by sulfonamides.

  2. Which feature distinguishes a melanoma from a benign melanocytic nevus using the ABCDE criteria?

    Answer: Border irregularity

    Border irregularity (notched, scalloped, or ill-defined edges) is a key ABCDE criterion distinguishing melanoma from benign nevi.

  3. A newborn has vesicles grouped in a dermatomal pattern on the trunk. Tzanck smear shows multinucleated giant cells. What is the most appropriate treatment?

    Answer: IV acyclovir

    Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection is a medical emergency requiring immediate IV acyclovir due to the risk of dissemination and mortality.

  4. A patient presents with comedones, inflammatory papules, and nodules on the face and back. Which topical agent works by normalizing follicular keratinization and is considered a first-line treatment for acne?

    Answer: Topical retinoids (tretinoin)

    Topical retinoids normalize follicular keratinization, prevent microcomedo formation, and are considered the backbone of topical acne therapy.

  5. Which HLA type is strongly associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

    Answer: HLA-Cw6

    HLA-Cw6 (now designated HLA-C*06:02) is the major genetic risk factor for psoriasis vulgaris and psoriatic arthritis.

  6. A 70-year-old farmer has a rough, scaly lesion on sun-damaged skin of his forehead. Biopsy reveals atypical keratinocytes confined to the epidermis. What is this lesion?

    Answer: Actinic keratosis

    Actinic keratosis is a premalignant lesion on sun-damaged skin showing atypical keratinocytes in the lower epidermis without full-thickness involvement.

  7. Which medication used for acne treatment is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenicity?

    Answer: Oral isotretinoin

    Oral isotretinoin is a Category X teratogen causing severe birth defects and requires enrollment in the iPLEDGE program for all patients.