National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate pharmaceutical treatment for a patient diagnosed with dermatitis?

1. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream

2. Antimicrobial silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene)

3. Lidocaine for pain relief

4. Antibiotic (amoxicillin)

The correct answer is: Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream

The most appropriate pharmaceutical treatment for a patient diagnosed with dermatitis is the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream. This type of medication is commonly used to reduce inflammation, redness, and itching associated with various forms of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Corticosteroids work by inhibiting the immune response in the skin and decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators, thus providing symptomatic relief and aiding in the healing process. In cases of dermatitis, controlling inflammation is key to alleviating the patient's discomfort and preventing the condition from worsening. While other options might have their place in specific circumstances, they are not the primary treatment for dermatitis. For instance, antimicrobial silver sulfadiazine is typically used for preventing or treating infections in burns and certain skin lesions rather than for inflammatory conditions like dermatitis. Lidocaine may relieve pain but does not address the underlying inflammation. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are reserved for bacterial infections and would not be appropriate unless there is a superinfection in the context of dermatitis.