Which physical finding is often associated with infectious mononucleosis?

Infectious mononucleosis, commonly caused by Epstein-Barr virus, is characterized by a number of clinical features. One of the hallmark physical findings associated with this condition is tonsillar enlargement accompanied by exudate. The swelling of the tonsils is often significant, sometimes leading to difficulty in swallowing, and can present with white or yellowish exudate on their surface.

This tonsillar enlargement, combined with other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy, helps in distinguishing infectious mononucleosis from other conditions. The presence of exudate specifically signifies that the immune response is actively engaged in fighting off the viral infection, which is typical of mononucleosis.

The other findings mentioned are less specific to infectious mononucleosis. For instance, while pale conjunctiva might indicate anemia or systemic illness, it is not a defining feature of this viral infection. Similarly, a rash on the abdomen may occur in certain infectious diseases but is not commonly associated with mononucleosis. Dry mouth and lips can result from various causes, including dehydration or medication side effects, and do not specifically indicate infectious mononucleosis. Therefore, the tonsillar enlargement with exudate is a critical and key finding that