Commonest complication of mumps is?

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance -2021

Explanation

Orchitis (inflammation of the testes) and oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries) are the most common and significant complications of mumps in post-pubertal individuals.
Orchitis occurs in up to 25-40% of males who get mumps after puberty, making it a very frequent complication in this group.
Oophoritis affects about 5-7% of post-pubertal females with mumps.
While aseptic meningitis is also common, orchitis is the most frequent clinically significant complication listed among the options, especially in adult males.

Option A: Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is a rare complication of mumps, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Option B: Pneumonia is not a recognized common complication of the mumps virus.
Option C: Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) is a rare complication of mumps.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Mumps as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary way to prevent mumps and its complications is through vaccination with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
For a patient with mumps orchitis, nursing priorities include pain management and comfort. This involves strict bed rest, scrotal elevation with a support or towel sling, and application of cold packs.
Patient education should include advising a soft diet to minimize chewing pain from parotitis and ensuring adequate fluid intake.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the 'commonest' complication of mumps.
Read all the options provided: Encephalitis, Pneumonia, Myocarditis, and Orchitis/oophoritis.
Recall the pathophysiology of the mumps virus. It primarily affects glandular tissue (like the parotids) but can spread systemically.
Compare the relative frequencies of the listed complications. You should remember from your studies that orchitis is a very well-known and frequent complication in post-pubertal males.
Eliminate the other options based on their rarity. Encephalitis, myocarditis, and pneumonia are all known to be rare complications.
Conclude that 'Orchitis and oophoritis' is the most common significant complication among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1689-1691

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 156-158

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