Pathology · single question
Which clinical finding is commonly associated with infectious mononucleosis in children?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Palatal petechiae
- A. Mononucleosis typically causes malaise and reduced intake, not weight gain.
- B. Hypertension is not a feature of mononucleosis.
- C. Hypoglycemia is unrelated to EBV infection.
- D. Correct. PALATAL PETECHIAE at the junction of the hard and soft palate are a classic oral finding in infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus). The full picture is fever, exudative pharyngitis, marked posterior cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and fatigue. Diagnosis is by heterophile antibody (Monospot) and atypical lymphocytes on smear. Ampicillin/amoxicillin given in error produces a characteristic maculopapular rash — a high-yield point.