Which examination finding is commonly associated with upper respiratory infections?

Enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes are commonly associated with upper respiratory infections, as this finding indicates the body's immune response to infection. When an upper respiratory infection occurs, such as a viral or bacterial infection affecting the nasopharynx, the lymphatic system activates to fight off the pathogens. The cervical lymph nodes in the neck become reactive, resulting in enlargement and tenderness due to the accumulation of immune cells and the inflammatory process.

This finding is characteristic of infections such as the common cold, sinusitis, and pharyngitis, where inflammation occurs and the body is attempting to contain and eliminate the infection. The presence of tender lymphadenopathy helps healthcare providers differentiate upper respiratory infections from other conditions that may present similarly but do not typically cause this lymph node response.

In contrast, dry mucous membranes may indicate dehydration or other systemic issues rather than being directly linked to respiratory infections. Foul-smelling breath could suggest an oral or dental issue rather than a primary respiratory problem, while a swollen uvula may indicate localized inflammation or infection, but it is not as commonly associated with the typical presentation of upper respiratory infections as lymphadenopathy is.