MP CHO - 2022
Pediatric Nursing
Easy
A 3-year-old child suffering from measles has rashes like table salt crystals in the Buccal Mucosa, which are called?
Appeared in: MP CHO - 2022
Explanation
- Koplik's spots are the pathognomonic enanthem (rash on mucous membranes) of measles.
- They are characteristically described as small, bluish-white spots on a red background, similar to 'grains of table salt,' appearing on the buccal mucosa opposite the molars.
- Their appearance precedes the generalized skin rash (exanthem) by 1-2 days, making them a crucial early diagnostic sign.
- The location (buccal mucosa) and description in the question stem directly point to Koplik's spots.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: The term 'Granule' is a general, non-medical term for a small particle. It does not describe a specific clinical finding or skin lesion.
- Option C: Mongolian spots are benign, congenital birthmarks. They are blue-gray in color and are typically found on the lumbosacral area (lower back and buttocks), not inside the mouth.
- Option D: Pustules are vesicles filled with pus. While they are a type of skin lesion, they are not characteristic of measles. The lesions in measles are maculopapular (flat and raised spots), and the oral lesions are not pus-filled.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathognomonic signs of measles (Rubeola) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Recognizing Koplik's spots is critical for early diagnosis of measles, allowing for prompt implementation of public health measures like isolation (airborne precautions) to prevent highly contagious spread.
- Early diagnosis ensures timely supportive care, including hydration and nutritional support, and the administration of Vitamin A, which is proven to reduce measles-related morbidity and mortality.
- What if? If the lesions were described as painful, shallow ulcers instead of white spots, the differential diagnosis would shift to include conditions like herpetic gingivostomatitis or hand-foot-and-mouth disease, requiring different diagnostic and management approaches.
How to Approach the Question
- First, analyze the clinical scenario provided in the question stem. Identify the key patient details (3-year-old child), the existing diagnosis (measles), and the specific sign described ('rashes like table salt crystals in the Buccal Mucosa').
- Recognize that the question is asking for the specific medical term for this sign.
- The combination of 'measles' and a description of spots inside the mouth ('Buccal Mucosa') should trigger you to recall the pathognomonic signs of the disease.
- Evaluate the options based on this classic presentation. The description 'table salt crystals' is a textbook clue for Koplik's spots.
- Systematically eliminate the other options by defining them. 'Granule' is non-specific. 'Mongolian Spot' is a birthmark with a different appearance and location. 'Pustules' are pus-filled and not typical of measles.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Pathognomonic signs of measles (Rubeola)
- Stem keywords: 3-year-old child, measles, rashes, table salt crystals, Buccal Mucosa
- Lead-in keywords: which are called
- Clinical cues: The description 'rashes like table salt crystals in the Buccal Mucosa' is a classic, textbook presentation of a specific sign.
Question ID
QIyTsli0i5_IPkpdu2Ns75
Reference Book
E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1682-1684
E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 150-152
E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1965-1967
Practise the full MP CHO - 2022
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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