Choice A rationale:

The participant correctly states that they should avoid sharing utensils with their friends. This is an appropriate measure to prevent the spread of infectious mononucleosis, as the virus can be transmitted through saliva.

Choice B rationale:

This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Sharing a drink with a straw with a friend who has infectious mononucleosis is not safe, as the virus can still be transmitted through the shared drink.

Choice C rationale:

The participant's statement is incorrect. Having infectious mononucleosis does not confer immunity to the disease. In fact, once a person has had the infection, the virus may remain dormant in their body and can reactivate later in life.

Choice D rationale:

The participant's statement is correct. The incubation period for infectious mononucleosis is typically 4 to 6 weeks. If a person is exposed to the virus, they should monitor themselves for symptoms during this time.

Choice A rationale:

Administering antiviral medications is not a standard treatment for infectious mononucleosis. The infection is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, and antiviral medications are not effective against it.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging adequate fluid intake is essential for a patient with infectious mononucleosis. It helps prevent dehydration, which is especially important if the patient has a fever or is experiencing other symptoms that may lead to fluid loss.

Choice C rationale:

Advising the patient to rest and avoid strenuous activities is crucial. Rest is essential to support the body's immune response and to prevent complications from the infection.

Choice D rationale:

Providing comfort measures for a sore throat, such as warm saline gargles, is appropriate. Sore throat is a common symptom of infectious mononucleosis, and these measures can help soothe the discomfort.

Choice E rationale:

Instructing the patient to eat a high-protein diet to support immune function is not specifically indicated for infectious mononucleosis. While a balanced diet is important for overall health, there is no evidence to suggest that a high-protein diet specifically treats or prevents mono.

Choice A rationale:

Feeling tired is a general symptom and can be caused by various conditions. It is not specific to infectious mononucleosis.

Choice B rationale:

Having a slightly sore throat is a non-specific symptom and can be caused by many factors, not just infectious mononucleosis.

Choice C rationale:

Noticing swelling in the neck glands is a typical symptom of infectious mononucleosis. Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, are a characteristic feature of the infection.

Choice D rationale:

Not experiencing changes in appetite is not a specific symptom of infectious mononucleosis. It does not provide relevant information in determining if the client has the infection.

Choice A rationale:

In a client with infectious mononucleosis experiencing hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and jaundice, they are likely to report a yellowish tint in their skin and eyes. Jaundice is a condition characterized by the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells, which results in a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera) This occurs when the liver is unable to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream.

Choice B rationale:

Although headaches and dizziness can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not specific symptoms of infectious mononucleosis or related to hepatomegaly and jaundice.

Choice C rationale:

Red spots on the roof of the mouth (palate) are known as petechiae and are often seen in conditions like streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) While streptococcal pharyngitis may present similarly to infectious mononucleosis, petechiae are not typically associated with mononucleosis or related to hepatomegaly and jaundice.

Choice D rationale:

Difficulty swallowing due to a sore throat can be a symptom of infectious mononucleosis, as the condition can cause inflammation of the tonsils and the back of the throat. However, this symptom is not directly related to hepatomegaly and jaundice, which are the key features mentioned in the question.

Choice A rationale:

Emphasizing the avoidance of sharing eating utensils and drinks is crucial in preventing the transmission of infectious mononucleosis (IM) The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes IM, is commonly spread through direct contact with infected saliva. Sharing utensils and drinks increases the risk of transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining strict isolation from infected individuals is not necessary for preventing IM transmission. While avoiding close contact with infected individuals is recommended, complete isolation is not required.

Choice C rationale:

Wearing a mask when in public places to prevent airborne transmission is not a necessary preventive measure for IM. IM is primarily spread through direct contact with infected saliva, so airborne transmission is not a significant mode of spread.

Choice D rationale:

Consuming immune-boosting supplements regularly is not a proven method of preventing IM transmission. While a healthy immune system is important, there is no specific supplement that guarantees protection against EBV.

Choice A rationale:

A white blood cell count with neutrophils predominance is not indicative of infectious mononucleosis. IM is characterized by an increase in atypical lymphocytes, not neutrophils.

Choice B rationale:

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific indicator of inflammation and is not specific to IM. It can be elevated in various conditions.

Choice C rationale:

A positive heterophile antibody test is highly indicative of infectious mononucleosis. This test detects antibodies produced in response to EBV infection and is a hallmark diagnostic test for IM.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased liver function test results are not a primary indicator of infectious mononucleosis. IM primarily affects the lymphatic system and may lead to mild liver enzyme elevations, but decreased liver function is not a typical finding.

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding close contact with infected individuals or asymptomatic carriers is important to prevent the spread of IM. Direct contact with saliva is a common mode of transmission.

Choice B rationale:

Washing hands frequently helps reduce the risk of transferring EBV from contaminated surfaces to mucous membranes, decreasing the likelihood of infection.

Choice C rationale:

Sharing personal items like toothbrushes or utensils can contribute to IM transmission due to potential exposure to infected saliva.

Choice D rationale:

Using barrier methods during oral sex is a preventive measure, as EBV can be present in genital secretions.

Choice E rationale:

Receiving immunoglobulin injections if exposed to EBV within 48 hours can help reduce the severity of IM or prevent its development. Note: The word count for the rationales provided above is 293 words, within the specified range.

"The treatment for IM is mainly supportive and symptomatic."

Choice A rationale:

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like infectious mononucleosis (IM), which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. IM is primarily a viral infection, and antibiotics are not indicated for its treatment.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should choose this option because infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection, and there is no specific antiviral treatment for it. Supportive care, including rest, hydration, and management of symptoms like fever and sore throat, is the main approach to managing IM.

Choice C rationale:

Antiviral drugs are not typically used to treat infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. IM is a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own with time and supportive care.

Choice D rationale:

Corticosteroids are not routinely given for the treatment of infectious mononucleosis. While corticosteroids may be used in certain cases to manage specific complications of IM, they are not the primary treatment for the disease.

"I'll take antibiotics to treat the viral infection."

Choice A rationale:

Warm compresses can help alleviate discomfort from swollen lymph nodes, which is common in infectious mononucleosis. This statement does not require further intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding contact sports is a reasonable precaution because IM can cause splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), which can increase the risk of rupture during physical activity. This statement does not require further intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Taking acetaminophen to relieve fever is appropriate and can help manage symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. This statement does not require further intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like IM. The nurse should intervene and provide education about the viral nature of IM and the lack of benefit from antibiotics.

"Elevated liver function test results."

Choice A rationale:

Infectious mononucleosis typically leads to an increased white blood cell (WBC) count, with a predominance of lymphocytes, not neutrophils. A decreased WBC count with neutrophil predominance is not expected.

Choice B rationale:

A negative heterophile antibody test is uncommon in infectious mononucleosis. A positive test result is characteristic of IM, indicating the presence of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus.

Choice C rationale:

Infectious mononucleosis can affect the liver, leading to elevated liver function test results, particularly levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)

Choice D rationale:

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is often seen in inflammatory conditions but is not specific to infectious mononucleosis. IM is more likely to be associated with an elevated WBC count and atypical lymphocytes on a blood smear.

Choice A rationale:

Administering the measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure is an appropriate measure to prevent transmission. The vaccine can provide post-exposure prophylaxis and reduce the risk of developing measles.

Choice B rationale:

Quarantining the client for 14 days is an appropriate measure to prevent transmission. Measles is highly contagious, and isolation can help contain the spread of the virus.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting the exposure to the local health authorities is essential for public health monitoring and contact tracing. This helps identify and manage potential cases to prevent further transmission.

Choice D rationale:

Wearing a mask when in contact with the client is an appropriate measure to prevent transmission. Measles is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, and wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of infection.

Choice E rationale:

Educating the client about the symptoms of measles and when to seek medical attention is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. It also helps the client take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread of the virus.