The signs and symptoms of varicella infection include which of the following?

• A. Itchy vesicular rash that progresses to pustules and scabs
• B. Severe constipation
• C. Productively cough with hemoptysis
• D. Maculopapular rash without vesicles

Answer: (A)

Varicella (chickenpox) typically presents with a pruritic vesicular rash that evolves through stages—from macules to papules to vesicles to pustules—and then crusts. The lesions often appear in crops, so you’ll see different stages at the same time, and itching is common. Fever and malaise may accompany the rash. This combination—itchy vesicular lesions that progress and crust—is the hallmark, which is why the option describing an itchy vesicular rash progressing to pustules and scabs is correct. The other choices don’t fit: severe constipation isn’t a feature of varicella; a productive cough with hemoptysis suggests a pulmonary issue rather than chickenpox; a maculopapular rash without vesicles misses the key vesicular stage seen in varicella.