Which of the following is a complication of mumps?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

Orchitis, the inflammation of the testes, is the most common complication of mumps in post-pubertal males.
It affects up to 40% of this demographic, typically developing 7-10 days after the onset of parotitis (salivary gland swelling).
Symptoms include high fever, testicular pain, and swelling. While testicular atrophy can occur, sterility is a rare outcome.

Option B: Paralysis (specifically flaccid paralysis) is an extremely rare neurological sequela of mumps, not a common or expected complication.
Option C: While mumps virus can affect the heart, clinically significant myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) is a rare complication.
Option D: Herpes is a separate disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It is not a complication or sequela 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 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary prevention for mumps and its complications is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Nurses play a key role in advocating for and administering this routine childhood immunization.
For a post-pubertal male presenting with mumps, nurses must monitor for and educate the patient about the signs of orchitis, providing supportive care (bed rest, scrotal support, cold packs) if it develops.
Patient education on the period of communicability (from 2 days before to 5 days after parotitis onset) is crucial for preventing spread.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question: complications of the mumps virus.
Recall or deduce the nature of mumps as a systemic viral infection that starts in the salivary glands but can spread.
Evaluate each option's relationship to mumps:
Orchitis: Is this a known complication? Yes, it's famously associated with mumps in adult males.
Paralysis: Is this common? No, severe neurological issues are rare with mumps.
Myocarditis: Is this common? No, significant heart involvement is rare.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q0vARdY5mQRIZrUGTQhBbu

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

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

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

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