Petechiae, Which Result from Large Amounts of Endotoxin, are Distinguished

Question

Petechiae, which result from large amounts of endotoxin, are distinguished by which symptom?
A) diarrhea
B) a pseudomembrane
C) elephantiasis
D) fever
E) a rash

Accepted Answer

Petechiae are small, pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin, which result from bleeding under the skin. They occur in severe infections such as meningitis, sepsis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can release large amounts of endotoxins into the bloodstream. This can lead to damage to the blood vessels, resulting in leaking of blood into the skin or other organs. A rash is a common symptom of petechiae. The other choices, diarrhea, a pseudomembrane, elephantiasis, and fever, are not typically associated with petechiae.