Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

A diagnosis of ‘Pityriasis rosea’ is best characterized by which of the following symptoms?

1. Large, itchy patches

2. Lesions with a silvery scale

3. Red, raised plaques

4. Christmas tree pattern of eruption

The correct answer is: Christmas tree pattern of eruption

Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition typically characterized by a distinctive rash that often presents in a "Christmas tree" pattern on the trunk of the body. This pattern is formed when the initial herald patch—often larger and oval—appears, followed by smaller patches that align along the lines of skin tension or cleavage lines. This alignment is what creates the tree-like appearance, making it a hallmark feature of the condition. While the other symptoms mentioned may be present in different skin disorders, they do not accurately describe the unique manifestation of pityriasis rosea. For example, large itchy patches can occur in various skin conditions but do not define this specific diagnosis, and lesions with a silvery scale are more characteristic of conditions like psoriasis. Red, raised plaques could refer to several dermatological issues but are not specific to pityriasis rosea either. Thus, the "Christmas tree" pattern is a key diagnostic feature that helps differentiate pityriasis rosea from other skin conditions.