National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

A patient with thick, scaly plaques on the skin likely has which skin disorder?

1. Eczema

2. Scleroderma

3. Polymyositis

4. Psoriasis

The correct answer is: Psoriasis

The presence of thick, scaly plaques on the skin is characteristic of psoriasis, which is a chronic autoimmune condition. Psoriasis causes rapid skin cell proliferation, leading to the accumulation of these scaly patches that are often red and inflamed. These plaques typically appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but can affect any part of the body. In contrast, eczema generally presents as itchy, inflamed, and red skin that may become crusty or oozing but does not typically form thick plaques. Scleroderma involves the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues, which can alter the skin's texture but usually does not result in thick, scaly patches. Polymyositis primarily affects muscle tissue, causing weakness rather than skin changes, and while it may be associated with skin manifestations, they do not typically resemble the thick scales of psoriasis. Therefore, the distinct feature of thick, scaly plaques directly aligns with the presentation of psoriasis, making it the most suitable diagnosis among the options provided.