The nurse is assessing a client with suspected infectious mononucleosis (IM). Which of the following assessment findings would support a diagnosis of mononucleosis?
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected infectious mononucleosis (IM). Which of the following assessment findings would support a diagnosis of mononucleosis?
A. systolic heart murmur
[6%]
B. abdominal pain
[6%]
C. cervical lymph node enlargement and tenderness
[82%]
D. conjunctival injection
[6%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. IM is a condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and causes a client to experience fatigue, rash, fever, headache, cervical lymph node enlargement and tenderness, and splenomegaly. The symptoms may persist for weeks. IM is primarily spread by saliva (hence, this condition was also known as the kissing disease).
Choice A is incorrect. A systolic heart murmur is not a characteristic of IM. This would be a clinical feature of endocarditis or other valvular disorders.
Choice B is incorrect. Abdominal pain is not a characteristic of IM. While the client may experience nausea and splenomegaly, abdominal pain is not an expected finding. If a client does experience abdominal pain, this may be a concerning sign of splenic infarction or rupture.
Choice D is incorrect. Conjunctival injection (irritation of the conjunctiva) is not a finding consistent with IM. This is associated with infectious diseases such as Ebola and conjunctivitis.
Additional Info
✓ Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the pathogen that causes infectious mononucleosis (IM)
✓ IM is transmitted via infected saliva and may cause an individual to experience symptoms for several weeks
✓ Manifestations of IM include fever, fatigue, cervical lymphadenopathy, enlargement of the spleen and liver, pharyngeal inflammation, and tonsillar exudates
✓ Treatment includes supportive therapy, including prescribed antipyretics, rest, and noncaffeinated fluids
✓ The most significant complication is splenic rupture or infarction, which is manifested by severe abdominal pain and tenderness
