National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which condition is often induced by specific medications that makes an individual easily sunburned?

1. Psychomotor excitement

2. Photosensitivity

3. Photophobia

4. Postural Hypotension

The correct answer is: Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity refers to a condition in which the skin reacts abnormally to sunlight exposure, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. Certain medications can induce this sensitivity by making the skin more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This can occur as a side effect of various drugs, such as some antibiotics, diuretics, and medications used for mental health disorders. When an individual with photosensitivity is exposed to sunlight, the interaction between the medication and UV light can trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in redness, pain, and blisters resembling sunburn. Therefore, understanding how medications can affect the skin's response to sunlight is crucial for both patient education and effective treatment planning. Conditions like psychomotor excitement, photophobia, and postural hypotension do not directly relate to increased sensitivity to sunlight. Psychomotor excitement involves heightened mental and physical activity, photophobia refers to an abnormal sensitivity to light—often leading to discomfort or pain from bright lights—and postural hypotension is a condition characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing. None of these phenomena are associated with the risk of sunburn induced by medication, thereby solidifying why photosensitivity is the correct choice.