The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old complaining of a fever, chills, headache, and malaise with firm and tender cervical lymph nodes. What laboratory test is used to confirm the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis?

Explanation

•Epstein Barr virus antibody test is used to confirm diagnosis if the Monospot test is negative and the patient has symptoms of mononucleosis.

•The Monospot test, or heterophile antibody test, is a quick test used for mononucleosis, but it may produce false negatives.

•Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and causes severe fatigue and malaise. Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, stomach ache, and flu like symptoms are generally present.

•Leukocytosis and lymphocytosis are indicative of infection, but not specific to mononucleosis.

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