CLT Client Assessment & Treatment Planning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with Fitzpatrick Skin Type V presents for laser hair removal. Which laser wavelength is MOST appropriate to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?
- 532 nm Nd:YAG
- 694 nm Ruby
- 755 nm Alexandrite
- 1064 nm Nd:YAG (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 1064 nm Nd:YAG
The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is preferred for darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV-VI) because its longer wavelength penetrates deeper with less melanin absorption in the epidermis, reducing the risk of PIH.
Question 2: During a client intake, a client discloses they take isotretinoin (Accutane). What is the recommended waiting period after stopping the medication before performing laser treatments?
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 12 months
Correct answer: 6 months
Most clinical guidelines recommend waiting at least 6 months after discontinuing isotretinoin before laser treatments due to increased photosensitivity and impaired wound healing.
Question 3: Which clinical finding during skin assessment would be considered an absolute contraindication for laser hair removal on the treatment area?
- Mild dry skin
- Active herpes simplex lesion in the area (Correct answer)
- Fading scar from a healed wound
- Fine vellus hair coverage
Correct answer: Active herpes simplex lesion in the area
An active herpes simplex lesion is an absolute contraindication because laser energy can spread the virus, causing widespread infection.
Question 4: A client reports using a self-tanning product two weeks ago. What is the BEST course of action before proceeding with laser treatment?
- Proceed with standard settings
- Increase the fluence to compensate
- Postpone treatment until tan fades completely (Correct answer)
- Apply a topical anesthetic and proceed
Correct answer: Postpone treatment until tan fades completely
Self-tanning products deposit dihydroxyacetone in the epidermis, temporarily darkening the skin and increasing the risk of burns; treatment should be postponed until the tan fully fades.
Question 5: When reviewing a client's medical history for laser treatments, which medication class poses the greatest risk for photosensitivity reactions?
- Antihistamines
- Tetracycline antibiotics (Correct answer)
- Beta-blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
Correct answer: Tetracycline antibiotics
Tetracycline antibiotics (and other photosensitizing drugs like fluoroquinolones and some diuretics) can cause exaggerated skin reactions when exposed to laser energy.
Question 6: A client wants laser tattoo removal on a red tattoo. Which potential reaction should be specifically disclosed during informed consent?
- Permanent hair loss at the site
- Allergic or urticarial reaction from iron oxide pigments (Correct answer)
- Increased risk of keloid formation only
- Guaranteed complete removal in one session
Correct answer: Allergic or urticarial reaction from iron oxide pigments
Red tattoo inks often contain iron oxide or cadmium, which can trigger allergic reactions when fragmented by laser energy, a risk unique to certain pigment colors.
Question 7: Which element of the Fitzpatrick Scale is assessed to classify skin type?
- Sebum production rate
- Melanin content measured by spectrometer
- Skin's response to sun exposure and tendency to burn or tan (Correct answer)
- Transepidermal water loss value
Correct answer: Skin's response to sun exposure and tendency to burn or tan
The Fitzpatrick Scale classifies skin into Types I–VI based on the patient's reported history of burning versus tanning in response to unprotected sun exposure.
CLT Client Assessment & Treatment Planning 2
A client with Fitzpatrick Skin Type V presents for laser hair removal.
Which laser wavelength is MOST appropriate to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?