A client is experiencing symptoms of influenza and seeks medical advice. The healthcare provider orders a rapid antigen test to confirm the diagnosis. What should the nurse inform the client about this test?
"The rapid antigen test has high sensitivity but low specificity.”
"This test can detect influenza viruses in blood samples within hours.”
"The rapid antigen test can provide results within 3 to 10 days.”
"This test is not suitable for confirming the diagnosis of influenza.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
The rapid antigen test for influenza generally has high specificity but low sensitivity. It means that the test is relatively good at correctly identifying people without influenza (true negatives) but may miss some true positive cases, leading to false-negative results.
Choice B rationale:
The rapid antigen test does not detect influenza viruses in blood samples; it is designed to detect the virus in respiratory secretions, such as nasal swabs. The results are available within minutes, not hours.
Choice C rationale:
The rapid antigen test provides quick results, usually within 15-30 minutes, and is not a prolonged waiting period like 3 to 10 days.
Choice D rationale:
The nurse should inform the client that the rapid antigen test is not suitable for confirming the diagnosis of influenza. While it can quickly identify some cases of influenza, it is not as reliable as other diagnostic methods like molecular tests (PCR) for confirming influenza. False-negative results are more likely with rapid antigen tests, and negative results may need to be confirmed with more sensitive tests if symptoms persist.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rapid antigen test.
Choice A rationale:
Viral culture is a laboratory test used to grow and identify viruses, including influenza. While it is sensitive and specific, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis as it may take several days to produce results.
Choice B rationale:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect the genetic material of the influenza virus. It is suitable for confirmation of the diagnosis, but it may take a few hours to produce results, so it is not as rapid as the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Serology involves testing for antibodies produced by the body in response to the influenza virus. While it can confirm past infection, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis of acute influenza because it may take days to weeks for antibodies to develop.
Choice D rationale:
The rapid antigen test is a quick diagnostic test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the influenza virus. It can provide results within 15-30 minutes, making it useful for rapid screening. However, it is less sensitive than PCR and may produce false-negative results in some cases. Despite this limitation, it is valuable in certain settings where immediate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and infection control.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Rash on the skin is not a common symptom of influenza. Influenza primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically cause skin rashes.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of influenza. While some gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in some cases, they are not characteristic of influenza.
Choice C rationale:
This is a correct choice. Muscle aches (myalgia) are commonly associated with influenza. Many people with influenza experience muscle pain and soreness.
Choice D rationale:
Increased appetite is not a common symptom of influenza. In fact, loss of appetite is more common during an influenza infection.
Choice E rationale:
This is a correct choice. Dry cough is a common symptom of influenza. Influenza can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to a dry cough.
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