Question

152. A child is sent to the school nurse by a teacher who has a written note that Fifth's disease is suspected. Which characteristic would the nurse expect to find?

A) Macule that rapidly progresses to papule and then vesicles
B) Erythema on the face, primarily on cheeks giving a "slapped face" appearance
C) Discrete rose pink macules will appear first on the trunk and fade when pressure is applied
D) Kopeck spots appear first followed by a rash that appears first on the face and spreads downward

Answer 1

Fifth disease is characterized by erythema on the face, giving a 'slapped face' appearance. It is caused by parvovirus B19 and the rash may spread to other parts of the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is caused by parvovirus B19 and is characterized by a distinct rash. The nurse would expect to find erythema on the face, primarily on the cheeks, giving a 'slapped face' appearance. This rash may later spread to the arms, legs, chest, back, or buttocks. The rash may come and go for several weeks, but usually disappears within seven to twenty-one days.