What symptom is commonly evaluated to determine the severity of a URI?

Rhinorrhea, commonly referred to as a runny nose, is a key symptom evaluated in determining the severity of an upper respiratory infection (URI). In the context of URIs, rhinorrhea is often associated with the inflammation of the nasal passages and mucous membrane, which leads to increased mucus production.

The severity of rhinorrhea can indicate the extent of the infection and the body's inflammatory response, aiding healthcare providers in assessing how serious the condition may be. Increased or persistent rhinorrhea often correlates with more significant viral involvement, while a decrease in nasal discharge can indicate improvement or resolution of the infection.

Other symptoms listed, such as testicular pain, adnexal tenderness, and abdominal pain, are not typically associated with URIs and are more relevant in other clinical scenarios related to different systems or conditions. Therefore, rhinorrhea serves as an important clinical sign directly related to the respiratory system, particularly in the assessment of URIs.