Chapter 57: Dermatologic Disorders Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards focusing on the pathophysiology, clinical signs, and medical management of Acne Vulgaris, Impetigo, Dermatitis, and Psoriasis as outlined in the Chapter 57 nursing guide.

Acne vulgaris

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit involving sebum production, abnormal keratinocyte shedding, Cutibacterium acnes growth, and inflammation.

Comedones

Plugged follicles that can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads), representing a primary lesion in mild acne.

Isotretinoin

A systemic medication for severe nodular/cystic acne that is highly teratogenic and requires strict pregnancy prevention programs and monitoring of liver function and triglycerides.

Impetigo

A highly contagious superficial bacterial infection of the epidermis, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, characterized by honey-colored crusts.

Contact dermatitis

An inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by direct exposure to an irritant (irritant contact dermatitis) or a delayed hypersensitivity response to an allergen (allergic contact dermatitis).

Psoriasis

A chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by accelerated epidermal cell turnover, resulting in well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery-white scales.

Koebner phenomenon

A clinical occurrence where skin trauma/injury triggers the development of new psoriasis plaques at the site of the trauma.

Wood lamp

A diagnostic tool used for the examination of selected dermatologic infections by using ultraviolet light.

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation

A laboratory test used for fungal differential diagnosis by examining skin scrapings.

Seborrheic dermatitis

A chronic inflammatory condition occurring in sebaceous-rich areas like the scalp and face, appearing as greasy yellow scales and flaking.

Generalized exfoliative dermatitis

A severe condition involving widespread erythema and scaling that can impair fluid balance, thermoregulation, and cause significant protein loss.

Mupirocin

A topical antibiotic often prescribed for localized impetigo lesions.

Patch testing

A diagnostic procedure used when allergic contact dermatitis is recurrent or the specific trigger is unknown.

Psoriatic arthritis

A condition associated with psoriasis characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or decreased range of motion.

Tretinoin

A topical retinoid used to normalize follicular shedding and reduce comedones, often causing photosensitivity and irritation.

Honey-colored crusts

The classic clinical sign of nonbullous impetigo that forms after small vesicles or pustules rupture.

Photosensitivity

An adverse effect of several dermatologic medications (like retinoid therapies and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline) that requires patients to use sun protection.

Pilosebaceous unit

The structural unit of the skin consisting of the hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, which is the primary site of acne inflammation.

Biologic agents

Systemic therapies such as TNF-alpha or interleukin inhibitors used for moderate-to-severe psoriasis that require screening for infections like tuberculosis or hepatitis.