Koplik’s Spot is a primary symptom of which disease?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

Koplik's spots are a pathognomonic (uniquely characteristic) sign of Measles (Rubeola).
They appear as small, bluish-white spots on a bright red background on the buccal mucosa (inside of the cheeks), typically opposite the molars.
These spots emerge during the prodromal stage, about 1-4 days before the generalized maculopapular rash appears, making them a crucial early diagnostic clue.

Option A: The hallmark sign of mumps is parotitis, which is the painful swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands.
Option C: Pertussis, or whooping cough, is characterized by severe, paroxysmal coughing fits followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound during inhalation.
Option D: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection characterized by the formation of a thick, gray, adherent pseudomembrane over the tonsils, pharynx, or larynx.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathognomonic signs of communicable diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Recognizing Koplik's spots allows for early diagnosis of measles, enabling prompt implementation of airborne precautions to prevent transmission to others.
Early identification is critical for public health surveillance and initiating contact tracing to control potential outbreaks, especially in settings like schools or hospitals.
What if? If a child presents with a high fever for several days that suddenly resolves as a rash appears, the diagnosis is more likely Roseola (Exanthem Subitum), not measles. In measles, the fever is highest when the rash appears.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of pathognomonic signs.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Koplik’s Spot'.
Recall or deduce the disease specifically associated with this clinical sign.
Evaluate the options provided: Mumps, Measles, Pertussis, and Diphtheria.
Associate 'Koplik's Spot' with Measles, as it is the classic enanthem for this disease.
Mentally rule out the other options by recalling their primary symptoms (Mumps -> parotitis; Pertussis -> whooping cough; Diphtheria -> pseudomembrane) to confirm your answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qy2eVyuImjqlASrDrBKqzK

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1682-1684

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1965-1967

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 150-152

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.