Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the common method of diagnosis for impetigo?

1. Blood test

2. Visual examination of affected areas

3. Tissue biopsy

4. X-ray imaging

The correct answer is: Visual examination of affected areas

The best description of the common method of diagnosis for impetigo is visual examination of affected areas. Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection primarily affecting children, characterized by red sores that can ooze and form yellowish crusts. A healthcare professional typically diagnoses impetigo based on the clinical appearance of the skin lesions. During a visual examination, the healthcare provider looks for the specific signs and symptoms associated with the infection, such as the type of sores, their location, and whether they are crusted or weeping. This method is both quick and effective, allowing for a diagnosis without the need for more invasive or time-consuming procedures. Other methods such as blood tests, tissue biopsies, and X-ray imaging are not commonly used for diagnosing impetigo. Blood tests might be used to assess systemic conditions, but they are not specific to impetigo. Tissue biopsies involve taking a sample of skin tissue, which is more appropriate for conditions that require confirmation of what is happening at a cellular level, and not necessary for a straightforward diagnosis of impetigo. X-ray imaging is irrelevant in this context, as it is primarily used for visualizing internal structures, such as bones, rather than evaluating skin conditions.