Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

What physical examination finding was noted in the 17-year-old girl’s evaluation?

1. Cervical lymphadenopathy

2. Unilateral tonsillar enlargement

3. Clear lung sounds

4. Absence of palatine lesions

The correct answer is: Cervical lymphadenopathy

Cervical lymphadenopathy is a finding that often indicates an underlying infection or inflammatory process in the body. In the case of a 17-year-old girl, it may suggest conditions such as infectious mononucleosis, strep throat, or other viral infections. The presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the cervical region indicates that the immune system is responding, which can be clinically significant, especially in the context of presenting symptoms like sore throat, fever, or fatigue. The other physical examination findings, such as unilateral tonsillar enlargement, clear lung sounds, and absence of palatine lesions, do not reflect the same level of concern about potential systemic infection or pathology that cervical lymphadenopathy does. Unilateral tonsillar enlargement might suggest localized tonsillitis but doesn't convey the systemic implication that lymphadenopathy does. Clear lung sounds would indicate no respiratory distress, and while the absence of palatine lesions might rule out certain conditions, they do not indicate the same level of immune response as cervical lymphadenopathy. Thus, noting cervical lymphadenopathy in this patient's evaluation underscores an important aspect of her clinical picture.