Massachusetts MAP Certification Practice Test

Merriam Jones experienced a rash three hours after taking a new medication. What is the most likely cause?

1. Side effect

2. Allergic reaction

3. Interaction with another drug

4. Incorrect dosage

The correct answer is: Allergic reaction

The most likely cause of Merriam Jones experiencing a rash three hours after taking a new medication is an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can manifest quickly after exposure to a substance, such as a new medication, and a rash is a common symptom of such reactions. The timing – only three hours after taking the medication – aligns with the typical rapid onset of an allergic response, which often occurs within minutes to a few hours. While side effects can occur from medications, they typically involve a range of nonspecific symptoms and can take longer to present or be less immediate than the situation described. Drug interactions can also cause rashes, but they often would require the presence of another medication that the individual is already taking, which is not mentioned in this scenario. An incorrect dosage usually leads to more severe or different types of side effects and may not necessarily result in a rash appearing shortly after administration. In this context, the immediate appearance of a rash suggests a likely allergic response rather than these other possibilities.