Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is classified as a minor criterion for diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

1. Cervical motion tenderness

2. Uterine tenderness

3. Adnexal tenderness

4. Oral temperature of more than 101°F

The correct answer is: Oral temperature of more than 101°F

In the context of diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a minor criterion is a sign or symptom that is less definitive but still supports the diagnosis. An oral temperature of more than 101°F indicates a febrile state, which can be associated with PID, particularly when looking for systemic involvement or infection. However, while it is relevant to the overall clinical picture, it is considered a less specific criterion compared to other findings that provide clearer evidence of the disease. Cervical motion tenderness, uterine tenderness, and adnexal tenderness are classified as major criteria. These findings are directly related to pelvic examination and indicate local inflammation, making them more critical in the diagnosis of PID. Therefore, a high fever supports the diagnosis but does not have the same weight as the presence of tenderness in the pelvic area, allowing it to be classified as a minor criterion. This distinction is important for clinicians when evaluating a potential PID diagnosis.