Question

A mother brings her three-year-old daughter to the clinic due to dry red patches around her face and eyes. The daughter has been frequently rubbing the affected area, resulting in swelling around her eyes. Physical examination indicates atopic dermatitis. The NP considers that this diagnosis:

A. Requires a skin culture
B. Should be supported by biopsy
C. Necessitates obtaining peripheral blood eosinophil levels
D. Is usually made by clinical assessment alone.

Answer 1

The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is usually made by clinical assessment alone based on observation of symptoms such as dry red patches and itching. Management commonly involves moisturizers and corticosteroid creams.

The correct answer is options D

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, in a three-year-old child presenting with dry red patches around the face and eyes.

Atopic dermatitis is identified through clinical observation of symptoms rather than invasive testing. Typical management strategies for eczema, like atopic dermatitis, involve the use of moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and sometimes immunosuppressants to alleviate symptoms. Only in cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or severe complications are suspected might additional tests like skin cultures, biopsies, or blood tests be considered.