Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

When a child has a vesicular rash, which illness is the nurse most likely to identify as causing the rash?

1. Scarlet fever

2. Ringworm

3. Varicella

4. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

The correct answer is: Varicella

A vesicular rash is characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters on the skin, which are a hallmark of varicella, also known as chickenpox. This viral infection presents with an initial fever and malaise, followed by the appearance of the rash. The rash typically progresses through various stages, starting with macules, turning into papules, which then become vesicular. This progression and the presence of the vesicles distinguish varicella from other conditions. In contrast, scarlet fever manifests as a red, rough rash usually accompanied by a sore throat and fever, but does not feature vesicles. Ringworm, a fungal infection, presents as a ring-shaped rash with clear skin in the center and does not produce vesicular lesions. Lastly, hand-foot-and-mouth disease can cause vesicular lesions, particularly in the mouth, as well as on the hands and feet; however, the rash is generally more localized and paired with other characteristics like fever and mouth sores. Therefore, the presence of a vesicular rash is most indicative of varicella, making it the most accurate choice among the listed options.