CLS CLS Contraindications & Adverse Events Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which medication is a well-known photosensitizer that represents a contraindication or requires extra caution before laser treatment?
- Acetaminophen
- Tetracycline antibiotics (Correct answer)
- Calcium supplements
- Antihistamines
Correct answer: Tetracycline antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics are photosensitizers that increase skin sensitivity to light energy, raising the risk of burns and adverse reactions during laser treatment.
Question 2: A client with a history of cold sores (HSV-1) is scheduled for a fractional laser resurfacing treatment. What is the appropriate pre-treatment protocol?
- Proceed without modification
- Prescribe prophylactic antiviral medication before treatment (Correct answer)
- Use a higher fluence to eliminate the virus
- Apply topical antibiotics only
Correct answer: Prescribe prophylactic antiviral medication before treatment
Clients with a history of HSV-1 require prophylactic antiviral medication before ablative or fractional laser procedures to prevent viral reactivation triggered by the treatment.
Question 3: What skin condition is an absolute contraindication for laser hair removal in the treatment area?
- Mild seasonal dryness
- Active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area (Correct answer)
- Mild hyperpigmentation
- Normal body hair density
Correct answer: Active skin infection or open wound in the treatment area
Active skin infections or open wounds are absolute contraindications because laser energy can spread infection, delay healing, and cause severe tissue damage.
Question 4: Which condition requires a physician's clearance before a CLS proceeds with laser treatment on a client?
- Mild skin dryness
- Keloid or hypertrophic scarring history (Correct answer)
- Blonde body hair
- Client preference for a different laser wavelength
Correct answer: Keloid or hypertrophic scarring history
A history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring indicates abnormal wound healing, and physician clearance ensures the risk-benefit analysis is appropriate before laser treatment.
Question 5: Isotretinoin (Accutane) use requires how long a waiting period after the last dose before most laser resurfacing procedures can be safely performed?
- 1 week
- 1 month
- 6–12 months (Correct answer)
- No waiting period is needed
Correct answer: 6–12 months
Most protocols require waiting 6–12 months after the last isotretinoin dose before ablative or aggressive laser procedures, as the drug impairs sebaceous gland function and wound healing.
Question 6: What is the most appropriate immediate response if a client experiences vesicle (blister) formation during a laser treatment?
- Continue treatment at reduced power
- Stop treatment immediately, cool the area, and document the adverse event (Correct answer)
- Apply makeup to conceal the blisters
- Increase cooling alone and finish the session
Correct answer: Stop treatment immediately, cool the area, and document the adverse event
Vesicle formation indicates a thermal burn response; treatment must stop immediately, the area should be cooled, and the adverse event documented for follow-up care.
CLS CLS Contraindications & Adverse Events Management 1
Which medication is a well-known photosensitizer that represents a contraindication or requires extra caution before laser treatment?