SELF-ASSESSMENT
Self-assessment/CPD
We hope you enjoy the CPD section. Let us know your viewsThis CPD section was prepared by Eric Beck FRCP FRCP(Ed) FRCP(Gl)
MEDICINE 41:6 365
by email to: [email protected]
Questions Select the ONE single best answer from the five alternatives:
1 Regarding the structure and function of skin, hair and 4 Regarding the use of systemic drugs for the treatment of
nails it is UNTRUE that:
A racial variation in skin colour is directly related to
the number of melanocytes in the basal layer of the
epidermis
B skin is an important site of the body’s energy reserve
C the commonly experienced phenomenon of ‘goose
bumps’ is due to contraction of erector pili muscle
D sweat has an important anti-bacterial action against
Staphylococcus aureus
E fingernails grow faster than toenails
2 The following cutaneous manifestation is CORRECTLY
paired with an associated systemic condition:
A acanthosis nigricans AND Addison’s disease
B erythema nodosum (EN) AND diabetes mellitus
C granuloma annulare AND sarcoidosis
D hypertrichosis AND acromegaly
E pre-tibialmyxoedemaANDhyperthyroidism/Graves’
disease
3 Regarding the use of topical agents in the treatment of
dermatological disorders it is TRUE that:
A the topical retinoid, adapalene, used in the treatment
of acne, is, structurally, a vitamin A derivative
B the anti-bacterial, retapamulin, is used in the treat-
ment of impetigo in young children (>9/12)
C the topical immunomodulator calcineurin inhibitor,
tacrolimus, is recommended by NICE as first-line
treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic eczema in
preference to topical corticosteroids
D there is no risk of hypercalcaemia resulting from
topical useofvitaminDderivatives suchascalcipotriol
E with topical corticosteroids, over-treatment through
long-term use of potent agents is a greater problem
than under-treatment through use of too weak a
preparation or inadequate dosage
dermatological disorders it is TRUE that:
A routine serial liver biopsy is the method of choice to
monitor the risk of hepatic fibrosis in treatment with
the antimetabolite methotrexate
B when using the calcineurin inhibitor ciclosporin in se-
vere atopic eczema or severe psoriasis, serial serum
type III procollagen aminopeptide measurements are
made to detect hepatotoxicity
C absence of thiopurine methyl transferase (TPMT)
activity is a contraindication to the use of azathio-
prine
D when treating severe acne, the oral retinoid isotreti-
noin can be safely given in pregnancy after the first
trimester
E long-term treatment of severe psoriasis with a ‘bio-
logic’ such as infliximab carries a risk of developing
malignancy (e.g. lymphoma)
5 Regarding the different forms of psoriasis seen in
different groups of patients it is TRUE that:
A the clinical scoring system Copenhagen Psoriatic
Severity Index (CPSI) combines area of involvement
with severity of scaling, plaque thickness and erythema
at each of four body regions
B permanent hair loss (alopecia) commonly occurs in
scalp psoriasis
C exacerbations of psoriasis in pregnancy get worse post-
partum
D tonsillectomy may be helpful in preventing recurrent
guttate psoriasis
E topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice when
psoriasis begins in childhood
For the answers and for more questions andanswers, go to:
www.medicinecpd.co.uk
