What is an expected clinical finding in a patient diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis?

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A patient diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis typically presents with fever and exudative pharyngitis. This clinical finding is a hallmark of the disease, primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The fever often has a gradual onset and can be sustained, while the exudative pharyngitis manifests as a sore throat with white or grayish patches on the tonsils and pharynx.

These symptoms arise due to the body's immune response to the viral infection, leading to widespread lymphadenopathy and involvement of the oropharyngeal mucosa. The presence of these two symptoms is crucial in making the diagnosis and differentiating it from other conditions, such as streptococcal throat infections or other viral illnesses.

Other options listed do not typically present in infectious mononucleosis, making them less relevant in this context. Viral conjunctivitis, chronic cough, and skin rashes are associated with other medical conditions or infections and do not serve as key diagnostic criteria for infectious mononucleosis.

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