White plaques on the mucous membrane, gums, and tongue are found in?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

Oral thrush, caused by the fungus Candida albicans, is characterized by the formation of creamy white, curd-like plaques on the tongue, gums, and other oral surfaces.
A key diagnostic sign, as described in the search context, is that these plaques can be wiped or scraped off, revealing a raw, erythematous (red), and often bleeding base.
This presentation directly matches the description provided in the question stem.

Option A: Herpes simplex virus infection (oral herpes) causes painful, fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) that evolve into ulcers, not the creamy white plaques characteristic of thrush.
Option B: Mumps is a viral infection that primarily causes painful swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands, leading to 'puffy cheeks'. It does not produce white plaques in the mouth.
Option D: Measles is known for causing Koplik's spots, which are tiny, bluish-white dots on a bright red base, typically found on the inner cheek lining opposite the molars. These are very different from the large, diffuse, wipeable plaques of thrush.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differential diagnosis of oral lesions based on clinical presentation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must accurately assess the oral cavity to differentiate between various lesions, as the underlying cause dictates the treatment and infection control measures.
Patient education is a key nursing role, especially for preventing oral thrush in at-risk populations. This includes teaching patients on inhaled corticosteroids to rinse their mouth after each use and ensuring denture wearers practice proper oral hygiene.
Administering antifungal medications like nystatin suspension requires specific instructions, such as 'swish and hold' or 'swish and swallow,' to ensure the medication has adequate contact time with the oral mucosa.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key clinical sign described in the question stem: 'White plaques on the mucous membrane, gums, and tongue'.
Next, systematically recall the classic oral manifestations of each disease listed in the options.
Compare the sign in the question to your knowledge. Herpes causes vesicles/ulcers, Mumps causes parotid swelling, and Measles causes Koplik's spots.
Recognize that the description of creamy, wipeable white plaques is the hallmark presentation of Oral thrush (Candidiasis).
Select 'Oral thrush' as the correct answer based on this direct match.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differential diagnosis of oral lesions based on clinical presentation.
Stem keywords: White plaques, mucous membrane, gums, tongue
Lead-in keywords: found in

QC5TrGZlwgnQY8xM3LtS4M

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 112-114

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 305-307