Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What type of reaction can Penicillin cause in some individuals?

1. Severe headache

2. Red spots on the skin

3. Severe swelling

4. Loss of taste

The correct answer is: Red spots on the skin

Penicillin can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, which may present as red spots on the skin, commonly resulting from a hypersensitivity response. These red spots are part of a broader condition known as an allergic urticaria or rash, which occurs when the immune system identifies penicillin as a harmful substance. This can lead to the release of histamines and other chemicals, resulting in symptoms such as redness, hives, and itching on the skin. While other symptoms can occur with different reactions to medications, red spots specifically link to the allergic responses associated with penicillin. For instance, severe headaches or loss of taste are not typical symptoms of penicillin allergy and may arise from other causes or medications. Severe swelling would indicate a more serious reaction, such as angioedema, but it does not directly align with the most common skin manifestations associated with penicillin. The choice of red spots accurately reflects the milder skin reactions often seen in allergic individuals when exposed to penicillin.