Final answer:
The NP might suspect Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne disease with symptoms including a rash starting on the palms and soles, fever, and aches. Immediate treatment with doxycycline is crucial for a positive outcome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given the patient's symptoms of a red spot-like rash that started on the hands/palms and feet/soles, accompanied by a fever and achy feelings, the nurse practitioner (NP) might suspect Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF is a serious tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii and is characterized by signs and symptoms such as high fever, headache, body aches, and a petechial rash that begins on the hands and wrists before spreading to the trunk and other parts of the body. Prompt recognition and treatment with doxycycline are essential because if untreated, RMSF can be fatal, especially in the first 8 days of the illness.
Lyme disease, another tick-borne illness, typically presents with flu-like symptoms and a distinctive bulls-eye rash, which is not consistent with the patient's presentation. Fifth disease, caused by parvovirus B19, features a facial "slapped cheek" rash followed by a lacy rash on the body and is more prevalent in children. Tinea manuum is a fungal infection of the hand that typically would not cause fever or systemic symptoms.