Suspected Mononucleosis in a 22-Year-Old Male College Student: A Case Study Analysis

Suspected Mononucleosis in a 22-Year-Old Male College Student: A Case Study Analysis

Introduction

In this case study, a 22-year-old male college student presented with symptoms suggestive of infectious mononucleosis. The patient complained of fatigue, aching joints, and a sore throat, along with swollen lymph nodes and an elevated temperature. This paper will address the questions posed based on the information provided in the case study.

Do you suspect the patient has mononucleosis? If so, what type?

Based on the clinical presentation of the patient, including fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and negative Monospot test results, there is a high suspicion of infectious mononucleosis. The presence of symptoms such as aching joints and generalized aching further supports this suspicion. The most common cause of infectious mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is indicated by the elevated EBV VCA IgG and EBV VCA IgM levels in the lab results.

What do you expect to be the clinical course for this patient?

The clinical course for a patient with infectious mononucleosis typically involves a gradual improvement in symptoms over a period of several weeks to months. The patient may experience persistent fatigue and malaise even after the acute phase of the illness has resolved. It is important to monitor for complications such as splenic rupture, especially in young adults with mononucleosis.

Are there any treatment options you would offer this patient?

Treatment for infectious mononucleosis is primarily supportive and focused on symptom management. Rest, hydration, and pain relief with over-the-counter medications can help alleviate the discomfort associated with the illness. Corticosteroids may be considered in severe cases to reduce inflammation and swelling of the throat and tonsils.

How often would you like to see this patient in follow-up?

Given the nature of infectious mononucleosis and the potential for complications, it is advisable to schedule follow-up appointments with the patient regularly. Initially, follow-up visits may be scheduled weekly to monitor symptoms and ensure adequate recovery. Subsequent visits can be spaced out based on the patient’s progress and symptom resolution.

Would you repeat these labs at any point?

Repeat lab testing may be considered in certain scenarios, such as if the patient’s clinical condition deteriorates or if there are concerns about complications. Monitoring liver function tests, complete blood count, and EBV antibody levels can provide valuable information about the progression of the disease and help guide treatment decisions.

What education would you provide?

Patient education is crucial in the management of infectious mononucleosis. It is important to inform the patient about the expected course of the illness, the need for adequate rest, hydration, and symptom management strategies. Additionally, educating the patient about potential complications such as splenic rupture and when to seek medical attention is essential for their well-being.

In conclusion, managing a case of suspected infectious mononucleosis in a young adult requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on symptom management, monitoring for complications, and patient education. By addressing the questions posed in this case study and implementing evidence-based practices, healthcare providers can optimize patient outcomes and ensure a smooth recovery process.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Infectious Mononucleosis. Retrieved from [link]
2. American Academy of Family Physicians. (2018). Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. Retrieved from [link]
3. National Institutes of Health. (2017). Management of Infectious Mononucleosis. Retrieved from [link]