Not Just Tonsillitis

Question: A 17 year old male is evaluated for throat pain. Examination reveals white tonsillar exudates bilaterally and posterior cervical adenopathy. The emergency department physician who initially evaluated the patient noted a mass in the left upper quadrant and suspected splenomegaly. Infectious mononucleosis is suspected. Within what period of time is he at highest risk for traumatic splenic laceration?

a) Within 4 weeks of symptom onset

b) 6-12 weeks from symptom onset

c) Until splenomegaly resolves on physical exam

d) None of the above

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “I’m Seeing Spots" (May 20, 2019)

B.