Koplik's spot is the typical sign of

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

Koplik's spots are the pathognomonic sign of measles (rubeola), meaning their presence confirms the diagnosis.
These spots appear as small, bluish-white lesions surrounded by a red halo on the inner lining of the cheek (buccal mucosa).
They are a crucial early diagnostic marker, appearing 1-4 days before the onset of the more generalized measles rash.
Their identification allows for early isolation and management, which is critical for controlling the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Option A: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, does not cause Koplik's spots.
Option B: Mumps is not associated with Koplik's spots.
Option D: Diphtheria does not present with Koplik's spots.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of pathognomonic signs of common childhood infectious diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Early identification of Koplik's spots is a critical nursing skill. It allows for the prompt implementation of airborne precautions to prevent the spread of the highly contagious measles virus within healthcare facilities and the community.
A suspected case of measles based on Koplik's spots requires immediate notification to public health authorities for contact tracing and outbreak management.
What if? If a child presents with a fever and rash but no Koplik's spots, and instead has prominent swelling behind the ear and jaw, the diagnosis would shift from measles to mumps. This changes the focus of care to managing pain and swelling and monitoring for complications like orchitis, rather than the respiratory and neurological complications of measles.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to link a specific clinical sign ('Koplik's spot') to a disease.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of pathognomonic (uniquely characteristic) signs of infectious diseases.
Access your memory of common childhood illnesses and their classic presentations.
Recall that Koplik's spots are famously associated with the prodromal phase of measles.
Mentally review the signs of the other options to confirm they are incorrect: Pertussis (whooping cough), Mumps (parotid swelling), and Diphtheria (pseudomembrane).
Select 'Measles' as the only correct association.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of pathognomonic signs of common childhood infectious diseases.
Stem keywords: Koplik's spot, typical sign
Lead-in keywords: is the
Negative lead-in flag: false

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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 AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

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