A client with infectious mononucleosis is experiencing hepatomegaly and jaundice. What might the nurse expect the client to report?
"My skin and eyes have a yellowish tint.”
"I have a constant headache and dizziness.”
"I noticed some red spots on the roof of my mouth.”
"I have difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
In a client with infectious mononucleosis experiencing hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and jaundice, they are likely to report a yellowish tint in their skin and eyes. Jaundice is a condition characterized by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells, which results in a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera) This occurs when the liver is unable to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream.
Choice B rationale:
Although headaches and dizziness can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not specific symptoms of infectious mononucleosis or related to hepatomegaly and jaundice.
Choice C rationale:
Red spots on the roof of the mouth (palate) are known as petechiae and are often seen in conditions like streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) While streptococcal pharyngitis may present similarly to infectious mononucleosis, petechiae are not typically associated with mononucleosis or related to hepatomegaly and jaundice.
Choice D rationale:
Difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat can be a symptom of infectious mononucleosis, as the condition can cause inflammation of the tonsils and the back of the throat. However, this symptom is not directly related to hepatomegaly and jaundice, which are the key features mentioned in the question.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A white blood cell count with neutrophils predominance is not indicative of infectious mononucleosis. IM is characterized by an increase in atypical lymphocytes, not neutrophils.
Choice B rationale:
An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific indicator of inflammation and is not specific to IM. It can be elevated in various conditions.
Choice C rationale:
A positive heterophile antibody test is highly indicative of infectious mononucleosis. This test detects antibodies produced in response to EBV infection and is a hallmark diagnostic test for IM.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased liver function test results are not a primary indicator of infectious mononucleosis. IM primarily affects the lymphatic system and may lead to mild liver enzyme elevations, but decreased liver function is not a typical finding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"Elevated liver function test results."
Choice A rationale:
Infectious mononucleosis typically leads to an increased white blood cell (WBC) count, with a predominance of lymphocytes, not neutrophils. A decreased WBC count with neutrophil predominance is not expected.
Choice B rationale:
A negative heterophile antibody test is uncommon in infectious mononucleosis. A positive test result is characteristic of IM, indicating the presence of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus.
Choice C rationale:
Infectious mononucleosis can affect the liver, leading to elevated liver function test results, particularly levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)
Choice D rationale:
An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is often seen in inflammatory conditions but is not specific to infectious mononucleosis. IM is more likely to be associated with an elevated WBC count and atypical lymphocytes on a blood smear.
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