Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Koplik's spots are a characteristic symptom of which condition?

1. Poxvirus infections

2. Measles

3. Kawasaki's disease

4. Reye's syndrome

The correct answer is: Measles

Koplik's spots are specific lesions that appear in the oral cavity, typically identified as small, white spots with a red halo, and they are a classic indicator of measles (also known as rubeola). These spots usually appear 1 to 2 days before the onset of the measles rash and are considered diagnostic for this viral infection. The presence of Koplik's spots is significant because they help differentiate measles from other viral illnesses, providing important clues for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing the condition. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not feature Koplik's spots as a prominent symptom. Poxvirus infections have their own distinctive presentations that do not include these oral lesions. Kawasaki's disease is characterized by systemic symptoms such as fever, rash, and conjunctivitis, whereas Reye's syndrome is associated with liver dysfunction and neurological symptoms following viral infections, particularly after administration of salicylates to children with viral illnesses. Thus, measles is uniquely associated with the development of Koplik's spots, making it the correct response for this question.