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Stevens-Johnson syndrome — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateBurnsStevens-Johnson syndromeMCCQE Part 1

A 28-year-old woman develops fever, painful targetoid rash, oral erosions and conjunctivitis 10 days after starting lamotrigine. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step?

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Correct answer: CStop the culprit drug and admit urgently for supportive specialist care

Stop the culprit drug and admit urgently for supportive specialist care is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Stevens-Johnson syndrome better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to Canadian dermatology emergency guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: Canadian dermatology emergency guidance