AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification Practice Exam

In severe cases of psoriasis, anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) agents or other immunologic therapies are recommended due to their ability to target specific pathways involved in the inflammatory process. Psoriasis is characterized by an overactive immune response that leads to rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation.

Anti-TNF therapies, such as infliximab or adalimumab, help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the action of TNF, a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation. Additionally, other immunologic therapies like interleukin inhibitors can provide significant improvement in the symptoms and overall quality of life for patients with severe psoriasis.

While topical steroids can be effective for mild to moderate cases, their effectiveness diminishes in more severe conditions, where systemic treatment is often required. Oral anticoagulants are not relevant to the treatment of psoriasis, and phototherapy, while useful, is generally not adequate alone for severe manifestations of the disease, as it may take considerable time and multiple sessions to achieve substantial results. Thus, for severe psoriasis, targeted systemic treatments are critical in managing the condition effectively.