Viral infections: mpox: 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 · Viral infections: mpox

Sample item

A patient has fever followed by synchronous vesiculopustular lesions that all look the same age. Which feature best distinguishes mpox from smallpox?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Prominent lymphadenopathy

Mpox is an orthopoxvirus infection whose rash evolves through macule, papule, vesicle, pustule and crust in step. Lymphadenopathy is prominent in mpox and generally absent in smallpox.

Option by option

  • A. Absence of fever

    Fever is present in the prodrome of both diseases.

  • B. Prominent lymphadenopathy (correct)

    Correct. Lymphadenopathy is the key clinical difference.

  • C. Centripetal distribution

    Centripetal distribution is a feature of varicella.

  • D. Lesions in different stages

    Lesions of the same stage are common to both mpox and smallpox, and varicella has different stages.

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.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Prominent lymphadenopathy. Mpox is an orthopoxvirus infection whose rash evolves through macule, papule, vesicle, pustule and crust in step.

Why is "Absence of fever" not the answer?

Fever is present in the prodrome of both diseases.

Why is "Centripetal distribution" not the answer?

Centripetal distribution is a feature of varicella.

Why is "Lesions in different stages" not the answer?

Lesions of the same stage are common to both mpox and smallpox, and varicella has different stages.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Viral infections: mpox in Dermatology. Lymphadenopathy is prominent in mpox and generally absent in smallpox.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Viral infections: mpox?

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.