DNCB-DNC Exam Format | DNCB-DNC Course Contents | DNCB-DNC Course Outline | DNCB-DNC Exam Syllabus | DNCB-DNC Exam Objectives

Exam Code: DNCB-DNC
Exam Name: DNCB Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC)
Number of Questions: The DNC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions. Approximately 25 of these questions are unscored pretest items.
Time Limit: Candidates are typically given 4 hours to complete the exam.
Administration: The exam is computer-based and administered by C-NET at various testing locations.
Passing Score: A score of approximately 75% is generally required to pass.
Credential: Upon successful completion- candidates earn the credential "Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC)."

I. Core Dermatology Nursing Practice

- Skin Anatomy and Physiology:
- Structure and function of the epidermis- dermis- subcutaneous tissue.
- Appendages: hair- nails- sebaceous glands- sweat glands.
- Skin functions (e.g.- protection- thermoregulation- sensation- vitamin D synthesis).

- Skin Assessment:
- Comprehensive history taking (e.g.- chief complaint- past medical history- social history- medications- allergies).
- Physical examination techniques (inspection- palpation- description of lesions).
- Documentation of skin findings.

- Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Dermatology:
- Topical medications (e.g.- corticosteroids- antifungals- antibiotics- retinoids- emollients- calcineurin inhibitors).
- Systemic medications (e.g.- oral antibiotics- antifungals- corticosteroids- immunosuppressants- biologics).
- Drug administration routes and patient education.
- Adverse effects and contraindications of common dermatologic drugs.

- Patient Education:
- Skin care regimens (e.g.- sun protection- moisturization- wound care).
- Disease specific education (e.g.- trigger avoidance- medication adherence).
- Lifestyle modifications for dermatological conditions.

- Epidermis- Dermis- Subcutaneous tissue- Keratinocytes- Melanocytes- Langerhans cells- Merkel cells- Collagen- Elastin.
- Macule- Papule- Nodule- Plaque- Vesicle- Bulla- Pustule- Wheal- Urticaria- Erosion- Ulcer- Fissure- Crust- Scale- Lichenification- Atrophy- Scar- Excoriation.
- Pruritus- Erythema- Edema- Induration- Purpura- Petechiae- Ecchymosis- Telangiectasia.
- Topical- Systemic- Ointment- Cream- Lotion- Gel- Solution- Foam- Powder- Suspension- Emollient- Humectant- Occlusive.
- Pharmacokinetics- Pharmacodynamics- Half-life- Bioavailability- Side effects- Adverse drug reactions.

II. Dermatological Conditions and Management

- Inflammatory Skin Conditions:
- Acne (vulgaris- rosacea): pathogenesis- clinical presentation- treatment.
- Eczema/Dermatitis (e.g.- atopic- contact- seborrheic- stasis): causes- clinical features- management.
- Psoriasis (e.g.- plaque- guttate- inverse- pustular- erythrodermic): types- pathophysiology- systemic associations- treatment modalities (topical- phototherapy- systemic- biologics).
- Urticaria and Angioedema: causes- acute vs. chronic- management.

- Infectious Skin Conditions:
- Bacterial (e.g.- impetigo- cellulitis- folliculitis- erysipelas): causative agents- clinical signs- antibiotics.
- Fungal (e.g.- tinea infections- candidiasis): types- diagnosis- antifungals.
- Viral (e.g.- herpes simplex- herpes zoster- warts- molluscum contagiosum): presentation- antiviral therapy- other treatments.
- Parasitic (e.g.- scabies- pediculosis): diagnosis- treatment.

- Pigmentary Disorders:
- Hyperpigmentation (e.g.- melasma- post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation).
- Hypopigmentation (e.g.- vitiligo- post-inflammatory hypopigmentation).

- Hair and Nail Disorders:
- Alopecia (e.g.- androgenetic- alopecia areata- telogen effluvium).
- Nail dystrophies (e.g.- onychomycosis- psoriasis of nails).
- Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Diseases with Skin Manifestations:
- Lupus erythematosus (cutaneous forms).
- Scleroderma.
- Dermatomyositis.
- Bullous diseases (e.g.- pemphigus- bullous pemphigoid).

- Pediatric Dermatology:
- Common conditions in children (e.g.- diaper rash- infantile eczema- birthmarks).
- Age-specific considerations for treatment and patient education.

- Geriatric Dermatology:
- Age-related skin changes.
- Common conditions in the elderly (e.g.- xerosis- stasis dermatitis- skin tears).
- Considerations for treatment and education in older adults.

- Acne vulgaris- Rosacea- Comedones- Papules- Pustules- Cysts.
- Atopic dermatitis- Contact dermatitis (irritant- allergic)- Seborrheic dermatitis- Stasis dermatitis.
- Psoriasis (plaque- guttate- inverse- pustular- erythrodermic)- Koebner phenomenon- Auspitz sign.
- Urticaria- Angioedema.
- Impetigo- Cellulitis- Erysipelas- Folliculitis- Abscess- Furuncle- Carbuncle.
- Tinea (pedis- corporis- cruris- capitis)- Candidiasis.
- Herpes simplex- Herpes zoster- Varicella- Warts (verrucae)- Molluscum contagiosum.
- Scabies- Pediculosis.
- Melasma- Vitiligo- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation.
- Alopecia- Onychomycosis- Onycholysis.
- Lupus- Scleroderma- Dermatomyositis- Pemphigus- Bullous pemphigoid.
- Xerosis- Pruritus senilis.

III. Surgical and Procedural Dermatology

- Biopsy Techniques:
- Punch biopsy- shave biopsy- excisional biopsy.
- Specimen handling and proper submission.

- Surgical Excisions:
- Indications- pre-operative preparation- sterile technique- wound closure- post-operative care.

- Cryosurgery:
- Indications- technique- post-procedure care.
- Electrosurgery (e.g.- electrocautery- electrodesiccation):
- Principles- indications- post-procedure care.

- Phototherapy (e.g.- UVB- UVA- PUVA):
- Indications- patient selection- dosage- side effects- safety measures.

- Laser Therapy:
- Types of lasers (e.g.- ablative- non-ablative- pulsed dye- Nd:YAG)- indications (e.g.- vascular lesions- pigmentary lesions- hair removal- skin resurfacing)- patient safety.

- Chemical Peels:
- Types (superficial- medium- deep)- indications- pre- and post-peel care.

- Injectables (e.g.- botulinum toxin- dermal fillers):
- Indications- administration- potential complications.

- Wound Care and Management:
- Wound healing phases- types of wounds (e.g.- acute- chronic- pressure injuries)- dressing selection- debridement.

- Infection Control in Dermatologic Procedures:
- Aseptic technique- sterilization- disinfection.

- Biopsy (punch- shave- excisional)- Curettage- Electrocautery- Electrodesiccation.
- Cryosurgery- Liquid nitrogen.
- Phototherapy- UVB- UVA- PUVA- Psoralen.
- Laser (ablative- non-ablative- pulsed dye- Nd:YAG- CO2- Er:YAG)- Chromophore.
- Chemical peel (glycolic acid- salicylic acid- trichloroacetic acid)- Superficial- Medium- Deep.
- Botulinum toxin- Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid- calcium hydroxylapatite).
- Wound healing (inflammation- proliferation- remodeling)- Primary intention- Secondary intention- Tertiary intention.
- Debridement- Dressings (occlusive- semi-occlusive- hydrocolloid- alginate- foam- silicone).
- Aseptic technique- Sterilization- Disinfection.

IV. Professional Practice and Healthcare Outcomes

- Ethical and Legal Considerations:
- Patient confidentiality (HIPAA)- informed consent- scope of practice- documentation standards.
- Professional boundaries- cultural competence.

- Quality Improvement and Safety:
- Medication safety- patient identification- fall prevention- infection prevention.
- Risk management in dermatology.

- Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- Working with physicians- physician assistants- medical assistants- aestheticians- and other healthcare professionals.
- Referral processes.

- Research and Evidence-Based Practice:
- Utilizing current research to guide nursing practice.
- Understanding research methodologies and statistical significance.

- Professional Development:
- Continuing education- certification renewal- participation in professional organizations (e.g.- DNA).

- HIPAA- Informed consent- Scope of practice- Malpractice- Negligence.
- Quality improvement- Patient safety- Root cause analysis.
- Interdisciplinary team- Collaboration- Referral.
- Evidence-based practice- Clinical guidelines- Research utilization.
- Continuing education- Certification- Professional organizations.