Infectious diseases: measles: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Infectious diseases: measles

Sample item

An unvaccinated child has fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and then a descending maculopapular rash. What is the diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Measles

Measles classically causes fever with cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and a rash spreading from face downward. It is highly contagious and requires public-health action.

Option by option

  • A. Rubella

    Rubella usually has milder illness and posterior auricular lymphadenopathy.

  • B. Scarlet fever

    Scarlet fever causes a sandpaper rash with streptococcal pharyngitis.

  • C. Measles (correct)

    Correct. The prodrome and Koplik spots are classic measles clues.

  • D. Varicella

    Varicella causes crops of vesicles at different stages.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Measles. Measles classically causes fever with cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots, and a rash spreading from face downward.

Why is "Rubella" not the answer?

Rubella usually has milder illness and posterior auricular lymphadenopathy.

Why is "Scarlet fever" not the answer?

Scarlet fever causes a sandpaper rash with streptococcal pharyngitis.

Why is "Varicella" not the answer?

Varicella causes crops of vesicles at different stages.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infectious diseases: measles in Pediatrics. It is highly contagious and requires public-health action.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infectious diseases: measles?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.