Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

A child with a high fever followed by a maculopapular rash most likely has which condition?

1. Erythema infectiosum

2. Roseola infantum

3. Fifth disease

4. Scarlet fever

The correct answer is: Roseola infantum

In this case, the child exhibiting a high fever followed by a maculopapular rash is most likely experiencing roseola infantum, commonly known as sixth disease. Roseola is characterized initially by a sudden onset of a high fever that can last for several days, often reaching 103°F (39.4°C) or higher. Once the fever subsides, a distinctive rash appears. This rash typically starts on the trunk and can spread to the face and extremities, appearing as small, pinkish-red spots, which may merge into larger patches. The key points that support the diagnosis of roseola infantum are the age of the child (most commonly affecting children between 6 months and 2 years), the high fever preceding the rash, and the typical pattern of rash presentation after the fever resolves. Other conditions listed may have overlapping features but do not present in the same sequence as roseola. Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) typically presents with a “slapped cheek” rash and is not characterized by a high fever; it usually follows mild symptoms like low-grade fever. Scarlet fever is associated with a strep throat and has a characteristic sandpaper-like rash, often accompanied by other symptoms rather than a