Koplik's spots are formed in the disease:

Appeared in: Haryana CHO -2023

Explanation

Koplik's spots are a pathognomonic sign of Measles (Rubeola), meaning their presence is specifically indicative of this disease.
These spots are described as small, bluish-white dots, similar to grains of salt, surrounded by a red halo.
They are typically found on the buccal mucosa (the inner lining of the cheek) opposite the lower molars.
Their appearance precedes the characteristic maculopapular skin rash by 1-2 days, making them a crucial early diagnostic sign.

Option A: Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is characterized by a different type of rash known as 'rose spots'—faint, salmon-colored macules on the trunk—not Koplik's spots.
Option C: Malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presents with cycles of high fever, chills, and sweating. It does not cause any characteristic oral lesions like Koplik's spots.
Option D: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. While oral manifestations can occur, they are rare and do not present as Koplik's spots.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathognomonic signs of infectious diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Early identification of Koplik's spots is critical for nurses as it allows for prompt implementation of airborne isolation precautions, preventing the highly contagious measles virus from spreading in a healthcare setting.
The presence of Koplik's spots should prompt the nurse to assess for the '3 Cs' of measles: cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis, and to prepare for the onset of the full-body rash.
In children diagnosed with measles, the WHO recommends Vitamin A supplementation to reduce morbidity and mortality, a key nursing intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'Koplik's spots'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of pathognomonic (specifically characteristic) signs of diseases.
Access your memory or knowledge base to link 'Koplik's spots' to its associated disease.
Evaluate the given options: Typhoid, Measles, Malaria, and TB.
Recall that Koplik's spots are a classic sign of the prodromal phase of Measles.
Select the option 'Measles' as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QM94pCjMpv3Ga2i7RM8I8U

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

Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023

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