What is the most common examination finding in a patient diagnosed with mumps?

In patients diagnosed with mumps, the most common examination finding is parotid gland tenderness. Mumps is a viral infection primarily characterized by inflammation of the parotid glands, leading to swelling and tenderness. This symptom can often manifest as a significant enlargement of one or both parotid glands, which are located just in front of the ears.

When examining a patient with mumps, the hallmark sign is the distinct swollen appearance of the parotid glands, often described as a "chipmunk" appearance. This tenderness and swelling are due to the viral replication within the glandular tissue, resulting in inflammation.

While occipital lymph node swelling, splenic enlargement, and testicular tenderness can occur with various infections, they are not specific or as commonly associated with mumps as parotid gland tenderness is. The parotid involvement is the defining feature of mumps infection and is the primary clinical manifestation that healthcare providers will look for during examination.