Practice Question
A 16-year-old patient started tretinoin for acne but reports significant dryness and peeling. Which is the most appropriate recommendation?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Decrease application frequency and use an oil-free moisturizer before applying
Rationale:
🧴 Tretinoin often causes irritation, dryness, peeling, especially in the first weeks (“retinoid reaction”).
🧴 Adjusting frequency (e.g., every other night) and adding moisturizers improves skin tolerance.
🧴 Moisturizers help buffer the retinoid and reduce skin barrier disruption without reducing long-term efficacy.
🧴 This approach maintains adherence while minimizing discomfort, allowing tretinoin’s long-term acne benefits to continue.
❌ Incorrect Options
🧴 Apply twice daily – Worsens irritation; unsafe.
🧴 Apply in the morning – Increases photosensitivity and irritation.
🧴 Stop and switch to oral antibiotics – Not indicated for simple irritation.
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This question is from Pharmacology Exam 2 2025 which contains 51 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: General Exams
- Domain: 🚑Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4