A nurse is collecting data from a child who has measles. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Paroxysmal cough. While a cough is a common symptom of measles, a paroxysmal (sudden, intense, and repetitive) cough is more characteristic of pertussis (whooping cough). Measles typically presents with a persistent, dry cough rather than severe coughing fits. B. Koplik spots. These are small, white lesions with a red halo that appear on the buccal mucosa (inside of the cheeks) 1 to 2 days before the characteristic measles rash develops. Koplik spots are a hallmark sign of measles and help confirm the diagnosis before the onset of the widespread rash. C. Facial erythema. While measles causes a maculopapular rash that spreads from the face downward, it does not typically present with isolated facial erythema. Facial redness is more commonly associated with conditions like fifth disease (erythema infectiosum), which is caused by parvovirus B19. D. Peeling of the hands and feet. This symptom is more characteristic of Kawasaki disease or scarlet fever, not measles. Measles causes a diffuse maculopapular rash that darkens and may desquamate (shed) slightly, but significant peeling of the hands and feet is not a typical finding.