Infections: varicella complications: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Infections: varicella complications

Sample item

Which drug should be avoided in a child with chickenpox because of the risk of Reye syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Aspirin

Aspirin during varicella or influenza is linked to Reye syndrome, which causes encephalopathy and fatty liver with hyperammonaemia. Antipyretic of choice is paracetamol. Acyclovir is given to immunocompromised children and those at risk of severe disease.

Option by option

  • A. Aspirin (correct)

    Correct. Aspirin is linked to Reye syndrome.

  • B. Paracetamol

    Paracetamol is the safe antipyretic.

  • C. Acyclovir

    Acyclovir is a treatment, not a trigger.

  • D. Calamine lotion

    Calamine is a safe soothing lotion.

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 A, Aspirin. Aspirin during varicella or influenza is linked to Reye syndrome, which causes encephalopathy and fatty liver with hyperammonaemia.

Why is "Paracetamol" not the answer?

Paracetamol is the safe antipyretic.

Why is "Acyclovir" not the answer?

Acyclovir is a treatment, not a trigger.

Why is "Calamine lotion" not the answer?

Calamine is a safe soothing lotion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: varicella complications in Pediatrics. Antipyretic of choice is paracetamol. Acyclovir is given to immunocompromised children and those at risk of severe disease.

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 Infections: varicella complications?

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.