Fifth disease is also known as?

GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Explanation

Fifth disease is the common name for the viral illness Erythema Infectiosum.
It is caused by human parvovirus B19, which has a tropism for red blood cell precursors.
The most recognizable sign is a bright red rash on the cheeks, giving a "slapped-cheek" appearance, which is followed by a lacy, reticular rash on the body.
The image provided shows this classic "slapped-cheek" facial rash, confirming the diagnosis.

Option A: Mumps is a viral illness caused by the mumps virus (a paramyxovirus) and is characterized by painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands (parotitis).
Option C: Measles, also known as rubeola or First disease, is characterized by high fever, the 'three Cs' (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis), and Koplik's spots on the buccal mucosa, followed by a maculopapular rash that starts on the head and spreads downwards.
Option D: Rubella, also known as German measles or Third disease, typically causes a milder rash than measles and is distinguished by posterior auricular and suboccipital lymphadenopathy.

Visual 1: Infographic - A visual timeline showing the progression of Fifth disease, from initial fever to the 'slapped-cheek' rash and the subsequent lacy body rash.
Visual 2: Comparison Table - A chart comparing the key features (cause, rash description, unique signs) of the six numbered childhood exanthems.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Identification and synonyms of common childhood exanthems (rashes) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A key nursing responsibility is to identify the characteristic 'slapped-cheek' rash of Fifth disease to implement appropriate precautions.
The most critical clinical implication is the risk to pregnant individuals. Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy can lead to severe fetal complications, including hydrops fetalis and fetal demise. Pregnant staff must be protected from exposure.
Patient education involves reassuring parents that it is a mild, self-limiting illness in healthy children but explaining the importance of notifying the school or daycare.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Fifth disease'. This is a direct recall question asking for a synonym.
Next, analyze the provided image. Observe the child's facial features. The prominent, bright red rash on both cheeks is the classic 'slapped-cheek' sign.
Connect this visual cue with your knowledge of childhood illnesses. The 'slapped-cheek' rash is pathognomonic for Fifth disease.
Evaluate the options. Recall or deduce the medical term for Fifth disease. 'Erythema' means redness, and 'Infectiosum' indicates it's an infectious process, which matches the presentation.
Eliminate the other options by recalling their distinct features: Mumps (swollen jaws), Measles (Koplik's spots), and Rubella (German measles, post-auricular nodes).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification and synonyms of common childhood exanthems (rashes).
Stem keywords: Fifth disease
Lead-in keywords: also known as
Clinical cues: The image of a child with a 'slapped-cheek' rash is a classic pathognomonic sign.

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