Acne: monitoring isotretinoin: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dermatology · Acne: monitoring isotretinoin

Sample item

Which baseline and follow-up laboratory tests are advised in a patient on oral isotretinoin?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Fasting lipid profile and liver function tests

Isotretinoin can raise triglycerides and cholesterol and elevate transaminases, so fasting lipids and liver function are checked at baseline and during therapy. Pregnancy tests are needed in women of childbearing age.

Option by option

  • A. Blood cultures

    Blood cultures are not needed.

  • B. Thyroid antibodies only

    Thyroid antibodies are not needed.

  • C. Fasting lipid profile and liver function tests (correct)

    Correct. Lipids and liver enzymes are monitored.

  • D. Serum uric acid only

    Uric acid monitoring is not specific to isotretinoin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Fasting lipid profile and liver function tests. Isotretinoin can raise triglycerides and cholesterol and elevate transaminases, so fasting lipids and liver function are checked at baseline and during therapy.

Why is "Blood cultures" not the answer?

Blood cultures are not needed.

Why is "Thyroid antibodies only" not the answer?

Thyroid antibodies are not needed.

Why is "Serum uric acid only" not the answer?

Uric acid monitoring is not specific to isotretinoin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Acne: monitoring isotretinoin in Dermatology. Pregnancy tests are needed in women of childbearing age.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Acne: monitoring isotretinoin?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.