Acrodynia, or pink disease, is a rare idiosyncratic hypersensitivity reaction to mercury that occurs predominantly in children exposed to mercurous powders. The symptom complex includes the following EXCEPT

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Generalized spasticity is not a common feature of acrodynia; the other symptoms are typical of mercury toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rapid correction of hypernatremia can lead to cerebral edema due to osmotic shifts in brain cells.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hyperventilation is the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis, leading to increased CO2 elimination and normalization of pH.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea leads to metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap due to excessive bicarbonate loss in stool. This type of acidosis is known as hyperchloremic acidosis, where chloride replaces lost bicarbonate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Intense pruritus is the hallmark of atopic dermatitis, often leading to scratching, lichenification, and secondary skin infections.