Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: varicella exposure in pregnancy: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: varicella exposure in pregnancy

Sample item

A pregnant woman at 20 weeks, who has no history of chickenpox and is seronegative, was in close contact with a child with chickenpox 3 days ago. What is the most appropriate step?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Varicella zoster immune globulin

Non-immune pregnant women exposed to varicella should receive varicella zoster immune globulin as soon as possible, ideally within 10 days of exposure, to reduce maternal disease such as pneumonia. Live vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Option by option

  • A. Live varicella vaccine now

    Live varicella vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy and is too late for post-exposure protection here.

  • B. Termination of the pregnancy

    Termination is not indicated for an exposure, as prophylaxis is available.

  • C. Reassurance without any action

    Reassurance alone leaves a susceptible woman at risk of severe varicella pneumonia.

  • D. Varicella zoster immune globulin (correct)

    Correct. Passive immunisation with VZIG is the recommended prophylaxis after exposure.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Varicella zoster immune globulin. Non-immune pregnant women exposed to varicella should receive varicella zoster immune globulin as soon as possible, ideally within 10 days of exposure, to reduce maternal disease such as pneumonia.

Why is "Live varicella vaccine now" not the answer?

Live varicella vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy and is too late for post-exposure protection here.

Why is "Termination of the pregnancy" not the answer?

Termination is not indicated for an exposure, as prophylaxis is available.

Why is "Reassurance without any action" not the answer?

Reassurance alone leaves a susceptible woman at risk of severe varicella pneumonia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: varicella exposure in pregnancy in Dermatology. Live vaccine is contraindicated in pregnancy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: varicella exposure in pregnancy?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.