Enlargement and tenderness of the parotid gland is seen in?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus, which is transmitted via respiratory droplets.
The virus has a strong affinity for glandular tissues, most notably the parotid salivary glands.
Infection leads to inflammation and the characteristic painful swelling known as parotitis, which obscures the angle of the jaw.
This presentation is the hallmark clinical feature of mumps.

Option A: Measles does not typically cause parotid swelling. Its classic signs are Koplik spots (small white spots inside the mouth) and the '3 Cs': Cough, Coryza (runny nose), and Conjunctivitis (red eyes), followed by a widespread maculopapular rash.
Option C: Rubella (German Measles) is characterized by a fine, pink rash and, most distinctively, swelling of the lymph nodes, particularly behind the ears (postauricular) and at the back of the neck (suboccipital). It does not cause parotitis.
Option D: Influenza is primarily a respiratory infection. While very rare cases of parotitis have been associated with Influenza A, it is not a characteristic or common symptom. The main features are high fever, muscle aches (myalgia), headache, and cough.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Clinical manifestations of common viral infections as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must implement droplet precautions for hospitalized patients with mumps for at least 5 days after the onset of swelling to prevent nosocomial spread.
Patient education is a key nursing role, focusing on comfort measures like a soft diet and avoiding acidic foods that stimulate painful salivation.
Monitoring for complications is critical, especially for orchitis (testicular pain and swelling) in post-pubertal males and signs of aseptic meningitis (headache, stiff neck).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical sign presented in the question: 'Enlargement and tenderness of the parotid gland'.
Recognize this sign as parotitis.
Next, systematically review the options, which are all common viral diseases.
Recall the classic or hallmark presentation of each disease from your studies.
Mumps is the disease most classically defined by parotitis.
Contrast this with the hallmark signs of the other options: Measles (Koplik spots, 3 Cs), Rubella (postauricular lymphadenopathy), and Influenza (respiratory symptoms, myalgia).

Concept Tested & Keywords

QyiwKQaIL1m4rqmQh6wrdT

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1975-1977

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1688-1690

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.