Most common complication of mumps in children is?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Aseptic meningitis is the most frequent complication of mumps infection in the pediatric population.
While many children with mumps may have inflammatory cells in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF pleocytosis), up to 10% of unvaccinated children develop clinical symptoms like headache, stiff neck, and vomiting.
Mumps virus is neurotropic, meaning it has an affinity for the central nervous system, making meningitis a common manifestation.
Before the widespread use of the MMR vaccine, mumps was a leading cause of viral meningitis in children.

Option A: Orchitis (inflammation of the testes) is the most common complication in post-pubertal adolescent and adult males, but it is extremely rare in prepubescent boys.
Option B: Pancreatitis is a known but uncommon complication of mumps, occurring in about 4% of cases. It is significantly less frequent than aseptic meningitis in children.
Option D: Periodontitis, an inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, is a dental condition and is not a recognized complication of the mumps virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of mumps in children as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must monitor a child with mumps for neurological signs such as headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, or lethargy, as these can indicate meningitis and require prompt medical evaluation.
The primary nursing role is prevention through patient and family education about the importance and schedule of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
What if? If the patient were a 20-year-old unvaccinated male instead of a child, the most common complication would be orchitis, and the nurse's assessment would focus on testicular pain and swelling.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: the disease (mumps), the event (complication), and the specific population (children).
Recognize that complications of certain viral illnesses can vary significantly with age. The keyword 'children' is critical.
Evaluate each option based on its prevalence in the pediatric population.
Eliminate 'Orchitis' by recalling it is a complication primarily affecting post-pubertal males.
Eliminate 'Pancreatitis' as it is a known but less common complication.
Eliminate 'Periodontitis' as it is a dental issue and unrelated to systemic viral infections like mumps.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1976-1978

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

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