A 2-year-old exhibits unilateral cervical adenopathy and a maculopapular rash. What additional sign might be evident upon examination?

A 2-year-old exhibits unilateral cervical adenopathy and a maculopapular rash. What additional sign might be evident upon examination?

• A. Fever above 39 C
• B. Erythematous and edematous feet
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Swollen lymph nodes bilaterally

Answer: (B)

In the context of a 2-year-old with unilateral cervical adenopathy and a maculopapular rash, the presence of erythematous and edematous feet is indicative of a condition such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is frequently caused by viral infections like Coxsackievirus. This illness commonly presents with fever, oral lesions, and characteristic rashes on the palms and soles, in addition to lymphadenopathy. The erythematous and edematous appearance of the feet complements the rash and may suggest systemic involvement, often seen alongside other signs of viral infections. In contrast, while high fever, diarrhea, and bilaterally swollen lymph nodes could potentially be related symptoms in various conditions, they do not specifically align with the classic findings associated with the unilateral adenopathy and maculopapular rash combination that would lead one to expect changes in the feet. Thus, the specific combination of unilateral lymphadenopathy and rash is more closely associated with localized manifestations like those seen in hand, foot, and mouth disease, supporting the likelihood of seeing erythematous and edematous feet during the examination.

In the context of a 2-year-old with unilateral cervical adenopathy and a maculopapular rash, the presence of erythematous and edematous feet is indicative of a condition such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is frequently caused by viral infections like Coxsackievirus. This illness commonly presents with fever, oral lesions, and characteristic rashes on the palms and soles, in addition to lymphadenopathy.

The erythematous and edematous appearance of the feet complements the rash and may suggest systemic involvement, often seen alongside other signs of viral infections.

In contrast, while high fever, diarrhea, and bilaterally swollen lymph nodes could potentially be related symptoms in various conditions, they do not specifically align with the classic findings associated with the unilateral adenopathy and maculopapular rash combination that would lead one to expect changes in the feet. Thus, the specific combination of unilateral lymphadenopathy and rash is more closely associated with localized manifestations like those seen in hand, foot, and mouth disease, supporting the likelihood of seeing erythematous and edematous feet during the examination.