Question

A nurse is teaching a group of parents about infectious mononucleosis. Which of the following statements by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

a) Our child can return to school as soon as the fever is gone.
b) We should give our child aspirin for the fever.
c) The illness is caused by bacteria, not a virus.
d) Our child should avoid contact sports for a while.

Answer 1

The correct understanding of infectious mononucleosis teaching is that the child should avoid contact sports for a while due to the risk of spleen injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement by the parents that indicates an understanding of the teaching on infectious mononucleosis is d) Our child should avoid contact sports for a while. Infectious mononucleosis, often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4) or cytomegalovirus (HHV-5), is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids such as saliva. It is important for patients to avoid contact sports due to the risk of spleen rupture, which can be a complication of the illness. Furthermore, it is recommended to use medications other than aspirin for fever in children and teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. The illness is caused by a virus, not bacteria.