Match each clinical sign in Column A with its corresponding dermatological condition in Column B:    

Column A (Clinical Sign) Column B (Condition)  

Positive Nikolsky sign Pemphigus vulgaris  

Pseudo-Nikolsky sign Stevens-Johnson syndrome

  False Nikolsky sign Bullous pemphigoid   Cerebriform tongue Pemphigus vegetans 

Which of the following is the correct match?

1. A

   A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

2. B

   B. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

3. C

   C. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

4. D

   D. A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

• The correct option correctly pairs each clinical sign with its corresponding dermatological condition based on the underlying pathophysiology.
• Positive Nikolsky sign (A) is classic for Pemphigus vulgaris (1) due to autoantibody-mediated loss of keratinocyte adhesion (acantholysis).
• Pseudo-Nikolsky sign (B) is seen in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2), where epidermal necrosis allows the skin to be sloughed off with pressure.
• False Nikolsky sign (C), or Asboe-Hansen sign, involves the extension of a blister's margin under pressure, which is characteristic of the tense bullae in Bullous pemphigoid (3).
• Cerebriform tongue (D) is a distinctive feature of Pemphigus vegetans (4), where vegetating lesions form deep grooves on the tongue.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option incorrectly matches Positive Nikolsky sign with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Pseudo-Nikolsky sign with Pemphigus vulgaris.
• Option C: This option incorrectly swaps the conditions for Pseudo-Nikolsky and False Nikolsky signs. Pseudo-Nikolsky is associated with SJS, and False Nikolsky is associated with Bullous Pemphigoid.
• Option D: This option incorrectly scrambles all the matches.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Knowing Matching specific dermatological signs to their associated autoimmune and hypersensitivity skin disorders helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
• Accurate identification of these signs is crucial for nurses in the differential diagnosis of potentially life-threatening blistering diseases.
• A nurse observing a positive Nikolsky sign must initiate precautions to prevent further skin damage, such as gentle handling, avoiding friction, and using non-adherent dressings.
• Recognizing these signs helps in prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants), which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

• This is a 'Match the Following' question that tests your knowledge of specific clinical signs in dermatology.
• First, identify the most well-known and definitive pairings. For example, the 'Positive Nikolsky sign' is a classic, textbook association with 'Pemphigus vulgaris'. This establishes A-1.
• Next, address the other pairs. 'Cerebriform tongue' is a very specific and unusual sign strongly linked to 'Pemphigus vegetans'. This establishes D-4.
• Now, differentiate between 'Pseudo-Nikolsky' and 'False Nikolsky'. Recall that 'pseudo' implies a different mechanism (necrosis in SJS), while 'false' refers to the extension of an existing blister (tense bullae in Bullous Pemphigoid). This gives you B-2 and C-3.
• Combine your matches: A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4. Look for the option that contains this exact combination.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Matching specific dermatological signs to their associated autoimmune and hypersensitivity skin disorders.
• Stem keywords: Positive Nikolsky sign, Pseudo-Nikolsky sign, False Nikolsky sign, Cerebriform tongue, Pemphigus vulgaris, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Bullous pemphigoid, Pemphigus vegetans
• Lead-in keywords: Match, correct match

Question ID

QecHvxb6Ok1v2vYMHUj7FU

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 1159-1161, 1160-1162

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 1895-1897