A client with pharyngitis reports high fever, difficulty swallowing and a muffled voice.
Which complication should the nurse expect?

Foreign body obstruction.

Nasal polyp.

Laryngeal polyp.

Peritonsillar abscess.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

Foreign body obstruction typically presents with sudden onset of choking, coughing, and respiratory distress, often following ingestion. While difficulty swallowing may be present, the primary signs are usually related to airway compromise rather than a muffled voice and fever. A muffled voice is more indicative of swelling affecting the vocal cords or surrounding structures.

Choice B rationale

A nasal polyp is an abnormal growth in the nasal passages, typically causing nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and postnasal drip. It would not cause a muffled voice or high fever, nor would it directly lead to severe difficulty swallowing, as it is anatomically located in the nasal cavity, separate from the pharynx and larynx.

Choice C rationale

A laryngeal polyp is a benign growth on the vocal cords, primarily causing hoarseness or voice changes. While it affects the voice, it does not typically cause a high fever or severe difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) unless it is exceptionally large and obstructing the pharynx, which is rare. The symptoms suggest a more inflammatory or infectious process.

Choice D rationale

Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind the tonsil, a common complication of pharyngitis. The inflammation and swelling can cause severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing (odynophagia and dysphagia), and trismus (difficulty opening the mouth). The muffled voice, often described as "hot potato voice," is characteristic due to swelling impinging on the pharynx and soft palate, altering vocal resonance.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

This open-ended question encourages the client to provide a comprehensive list of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, that they have used for their cough. This approach minimizes leading the client and maximizes the opportunity for the client to recall and articulate their complete medication history, including dosage and duration.

Choice B rationale

This question is broad and asks about all current medications, which may not specifically focus on the chronic cough. While important for a general medication history, it might not elicit the specific information needed regarding therapies used *for the cough*, potentially missing medications taken in the past or those specifically targeting the cough.

Choice C rationale

This is a closed-ended question that elicits a "yes" or "no" response. While it confirms prescription medication use, it does not encourage the client to elaborate on the specific names, dosages, or effectiveness of those medications, thereby limiting the depth of information obtained about their chronic cough management.

Choice D rationale

This question is very specific and focuses only on generic brands of cough syrup, which is a narrow scope. It might inadvertently exclude information about brand-name medications, other forms of cough medications (e.g., pills, inhalers), or other types of treatments the client may have tried for their chronic cough, thus limiting a full history.

A. Empty your bladder just prior to the examination. B. Exhale slowly through your mouth then hold your breath. C. Lie in a prone position with slightly flexed knees. D. Refrain from eating or drinking for at least thirty minutes.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Emptying the bladder just prior to an abdominal examination is crucial for several reasons. A full bladder can distend the abdomen, making palpation of underlying organs difficult and potentially causing discomfort or pain to the client. It also helps to minimize the risk of accidental bladder rupture during deep palpation.

Choice B rationale

Slow exhalation and breath-holding are techniques often used in respiratory assessments or during specific imaging procedures to optimize lung fields. They are not typically required for a routine abdominal examination, where relaxed breathing is generally preferred to allow for abdominal muscle relaxation.

Choice C rationale

The prone position, lying on the stomach, is not suitable for an abdominal examination as it makes palpation impossible. The supine position, lying on the back, with knees slightly flexed is the standard position for an abdominal assessment to relax the abdominal muscles and facilitate accurate palpation.

Choice D rationale

Refraining from eating or drinking for at least thirty minutes is generally recommended before certain procedures that might induce nausea or before specific diagnostic tests requiring a fasting state. It is not a standard preparation for a general abdominal physical examination.

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A client with pharyngitis reports high fever, difficulty swallowing and a muffled voice. Which complication should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which query by the nurse is likely to elicit the most information regarding a client's use of medications to treat a chronic cough?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A client with pharyngitis reports high fever, difficulty swallowing and a muffled voice.
Which complication should the nurse expect?