Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What best describes actinic keratosis in a patient considering their advanced diagnosis?

1. It is a benign condition

2. It is a precancerous lesion and should be followed up with her dermatologist

3. Apply hydrocortisone cream 1% BID for 2 weeks for resolution

4. It is important for her to follow up with an oncologist

The correct answer is: It is a precancerous lesion and should be followed up with her dermatologist

Actinic keratosis is best described as a precancerous lesion, characterized by rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin, typically resulting from long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This condition is significant because it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated, making early recognition and management crucial. Patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis should indeed be monitored by a dermatologist who can evaluate the lesions for any signs of progression, provide appropriate treatment options, and educate the patient on sun protection measures to prevent further skin damage. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of actinic keratosis. While some conditions may be benign, actinic keratosis carries a risk of malignancy, hence the need for follow-up. The recommendation to apply hydrocortisone cream might provide symptomatic relief for inflammation but does not address the primary concern of the lesions being precancerous. Lastly, while an oncologist may be involved in the care of patients with skin cancer, routine follow-up for actinic keratosis does not typically require such specialists unless a diagnosis of skin cancer is confirmed. Thus, the focus on dermatological follow-up for actinic keratosis reinforces the importance of managing potential precancerous conditions effectively