Findings consistent with a peritonsillar abscess include all of the following except:

Findings consistent with a peritonsillar abscess include all of the following except:

• A. Muffled voice
• B. Unilateral enlargement of tonsil
• C. Exudate on tonsils
• D. Trismus

Answer: (C)

Peritonsillar abscess shows swelling in the peritonsillar space that pushes the surrounding structures, leading to a muffled or “hot potato” voice. The infection is usually unilateral, with swelling of one tonsil and often deviation of the uvula away from the affected side. Pain and inflammation can cause trismus, making it hard to open the mouth. These features reflect a localized abscess pressing on neighboring muscles and tissues. Exudate on the tonsils is more typical of acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis rather than an abscess in the peritonsillar space. While tonsillar exudate can accompany tonsillitis, it does not represent the peritonsillar collection and is the finding that does not fit with a peritonsillar abscess.

Peritonsillar abscess shows swelling in the peritonsillar space that pushes the surrounding structures, leading to a muffled or “hot potato” voice. The infection is usually unilateral, with swelling of one tonsil and often deviation of the uvula away from the affected side. Pain and inflammation can cause trismus, making it hard to open the mouth. These features reflect a localized abscess pressing on neighboring muscles and tissues.

Exudate on the tonsils is more typical of acute tonsillitis or pharyngitis rather than an abscess in the peritonsillar space. While tonsillar exudate can accompany tonsillitis, it does not represent the peritonsillar collection and is the finding that does not fit with a peritonsillar abscess.