CDT Topical Medication Administration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The fingertip unit (FTU) measurement is used to:
- Measure skin thickness before application
- Standardize the amount of topical cream applied to a body area (Correct answer)
- Assess the depth of medication penetration
- Determine the correct drug concentration
Correct answer: Standardize the amount of topical cream applied to a body area
One fingertip unit (the amount of cream squeezed from the tip to first crease of an adult index finger) equals about 0.5 g and is used to guide how much cream to apply to specific body areas.
Question 2: Which topical medication class is most commonly associated with skin atrophy with long-term use?
- Topical antifungals
- Topical antibiotics
- Topical corticosteroids (Correct answer)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Correct answer: Topical corticosteroids
Long-term use of topical corticosteroids can cause skin atrophy, telangiectasia, and striae due to the inhibition of collagen synthesis.
Question 3: A patient is using a high-potency topical corticosteroid on the face. The dermatology technician should educate the patient about the risk of:
- Hypertrichosis only
- Perioral dermatitis and rosacea flares (Correct answer)
- Increased wound healing speed
- Improved skin barrier function
Correct answer: Perioral dermatitis and rosacea flares
High-potency corticosteroids used on the face can trigger perioral dermatitis and worsen rosacea; face applications typically require low-potency agents.
Question 4: When should a patient apply a topical medication prescribed 'twice daily'?
- Only at morning and bedtime regardless of activities
- At two evenly spaced intervals throughout the day (Correct answer)
- Whenever symptoms are most bothersome, up to twice
- Only after bathing, twice per day
Correct answer: At two evenly spaced intervals throughout the day
Twice daily dosing should ideally be spaced approximately 12 hours apart for consistent therapeutic drug levels in the skin.
Question 5: Topical minoxidil is primarily used to treat:
- Psoriasis
- Androgenetic alopecia (Correct answer)
- Rosacea
- Hyperpigmentation
Correct answer: Androgenetic alopecia
Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women and works by prolonging the anagen phase of hair growth.
Question 6: Which instruction is correct for a patient applying topical tretinoin for the first time?
- Apply a thick layer daily for fastest results
- Apply a pea-sized amount at night to dry skin (Correct answer)
- Apply in the morning before sun exposure
- Mix with moisturizer to increase absorption
Correct answer: Apply a pea-sized amount at night to dry skin
Tretinoin is applied at night using a pea-sized amount to dry skin (to reduce irritation), as it is photosensitizing and degrades in sunlight.
Question 7: A gel formulation is typically preferred over an ointment for acne-prone areas because gels:
- Have a higher drug concentration
- Are water-based and less likely to clog pores (Correct answer)
- Penetrate deeper into the dermis
- Are more stable at room temperature
Correct answer: Are water-based and less likely to clog pores
Gels are typically water- or alcohol-based, making them non-comedogenic and preferable for acne-prone or oily skin where ointments could clog pores.
CDT Topical Medication Administration 3
The fingertip unit (FTU) measurement is used to: