A 12-year-old child is brought to the clinic after suffering with a nonproductive cough and rash for a week. He's also experienced low-grade fevers, lethargy, and headaches. The patient has no past medical issues and is fully immunized. An examination of the lungs reveals bilateral crackles and wheezes. As shown in the exhibit, he has a generalized rash across his body and extremities. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's skin lesions?

Question

A 12-year-old child is brought to the clinic after suffering with a nonproductive cough and rash for a week. He's also experienced low-grade fevers, lethargy, and headaches. The patient has no past medical issues and is fully immunized. An examination of the lungs reveals bilateral crackles and wheezes. As shown in the exhibit, he has a generalized rash across his body and extremities.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's skin lesions?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Erythema multiforme is a target-shaped, inflammatory skin lesion that generally develops in the context of infection, most notably with the herpes simplex virus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is produced by the deposition of viral antigens in keratinocytes, which results in a powerful cell-mediated (cytotoxic T-cell) immune response.

A 12-Year-Old Child Is Brought to the Clinic After Suffering