Physician Assistant Exam Review

Answers for PA Review Questions for Dermatology Part 2

PA Review Questions for the PANRE or PANCEThese are the answers for the questions covering a portion of dermatology.  You can find the review questions here and you can find the article and podcast at the following links

 

dermatology-viruses-part-2-a-pa-review-and-podcast

 

dermatology-viruses-part-1-a-pa-review-and-podcast

 

dermatology-cancers-through-toe-nails-a-pa-review-and-podcast

 

1.  The answer is A

  1. The lesion for a basal cell carcinoma may be described as a shiny pearly nodule
  2. Squamous cell carcinoma is a patch of scaly rough skin
  3. Psoriasis is often described as silvery plaques
  4. Paronychia is an infection where the nail meets the skin it will be read and swollen

2.  The answer is C

  1. A woods lamp would not be helpful here
  2. You can culture fungus, but it takes several weeks to get results
  3. A KOH prep will show fungus under the microscope.  It is inexpensive and easy to do.
  4. There is in no need to involve a pathologist for this diagnosis.

3. Sorry this is kind of a crummy question.  It is hard to write descriptions that will lead you down the right path.  Keep that in mind while you’re studying.  The answer is B.  The description is for roseola.

  1. High fevers and seizures are a concern with roseola however the rash begins as the fever comes down.
  2. The rash is typically occurring as the fever comes down.
  3. Roseola is a clinical diagnosis and blood work will not be helpful
  4. Roseola is caused by herpesvirus 6 and 7.  No amount of antibiotics is gonna help here.

 The answer is B

  1. See explanation for B
  2. The paragraph describes the chickenpox.  This virus is contagious from several days before the rash appears until all of the lesions have crusted over.
  3. 11 year olds don’t often get shingles
  4. This does not describe herpes.

5.

  • Asymmetry
  • Borders are irregular
  • Color changes
  • Diameter greater than 6 mm
  • Evolving over time

 

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