Which of the following is the most common complication of mumps?

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2023

Explanation

Orchitis, or inflammation of the testes, is the most common complication of mumps infection.
It occurs most frequently in postpubertal males, with an incidence of up to 30% in unvaccinated individuals and 6% in vaccinated individuals.
The condition typically develops within the first week of parotitis (swollen salivary glands) and is characterized by testicular pain, swelling, and fever.
While testicular atrophy can occur in 30-50% of affected testes, permanent infertility is rare.

Option B: Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) is an unusual and rare complication of mumps, not the most common.
Option C: Peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining) is not associated with the mumps virus. It is typically caused by bacterial infections, often from a ruptured appendix or complications of abdominal surgery.
Option D: While the mumps virus is neurotropic and can cause neurological issues (neuritis, facial palsy, meningitis), these are far less frequent than orchitis. Aseptic meningitis is the most common neurological complication but still has a lower incidence (up to 10%) than orchitis (up to 30%).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Mumps Infection as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The primary clinical relevance is prevention through vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps and its complications.
Nurses must monitor patients with mumps, especially adolescents and adults, for signs of complications like testicular pain (orchitis), abdominal pain (pancreatitis, oophoritis), or severe headache and stiff neck (meningitis).
Patient education should include the importance of completing the MMR vaccine schedule and seeking medical care if symptoms of complications arise.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'most common complication' and 'mumps'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of infectious diseases.
Consider the pathophysiology of the mumps virus. It has a predilection for glandular tissues (like salivary glands) and nervous tissue.
Evaluate each option. Orchitis involves the testes (glandular tissue). Hepatitis (liver), Peritonitis (peritoneum), and Neuritis (nerves) are other possibilities.
Recall or deduce that the involvement of the testes (orchitis) is a well-known and very common feature of mumps in adult males, making it the most likely correct answer 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