A nurse in a community health center is assessing the results of a tuberculin skin test she performed on a client. Which of the following results indicates exposure to and a possible infection with tuberculosis (TB)?
10 mm wheal
5 mm induration
15 mm induration
4 mm erythema
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
A 10 mm wheal is not indicative of TB infection. A wheal is a raised, often itchy area of skin that usually signifies an allergic reaction, not an infection. The TST looks for induration, which is a firm swelling, as a sign of TB infection.
Choice B Reason:
A 5 mm induration is considered positive in certain high-risk groups, such as people living with HIV, recent contacts of TB patients, or those with a history of organ transplants. For individuals without these risk factors, a 5 mm induration is not considered a positive result.
Choice C Reason:
A 15 mm induration is considered a positive TST result for individuals with no known risk factors for TB. This indicates that the person's immune system has reacted to the tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) injected under the skin, suggesting exposure to TB bacteria.
Choice D Reason:
Erythema, or redness of the skin, is not measured when interpreting TST results. The test measures induration, which is a palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling. Therefore, a 4 mm erythema does not indicate TB infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A tingling sensation is not the primary concern when planning preoperative teaching for an amputation due to a severe gangrenous infection. While some patients may experience tingling due to nerve damage or as part of phantom limb sensation, the focus of preoperative teaching should be on managing pain and understanding the recovery process.
Choice B reason:
Telling a patient that their pain will gradually become less severe may be misleading. Post-amputation, patients often experience significant pain, including phantom limb pain, which can be intense and challenging to manage. Preoperative teaching should set realistic expectations about postoperative pain and its management.
Choice C reason:
Phantom pain is a real phenomenon experienced by many amputees, where they feel pain in the amputated limb as if it were still there. It is not merely psychological but has physiological underpinnings related to the nerves and brain's interpretation of signals. Preoperative teaching should include information about phantom limb pain, its potential occurrence, and strategies for managing it.
Choice D reason:
It is unrealistic to suggest that the pain will disappear soon after the amputation. Recovery from an amputation can be a lengthy process, and pain management is a critical component. Patients need to be prepared for the possibility of ongoing pain and the need for pain management strategies postoperatively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While pulmonary function studies are an important part of the preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up for lung cancer patients, they are not typically something a patient would be immediately prepared for post-lobectomy. These studies are usually scheduled for a later date to assess the impact of the surgery on lung function.
Choice B reason:
A sternal incision is not commonly associated with a lobectomy, which involves an incision in the chest wall, not the sternum. Sternal incisions are more often related to procedures that require access to the heart or the central chest area, such as open-heart surgery.
Choice C reason:
Moderate pain is expected after any major surgical procedure, including a lobectomy. However, pain management is a standard part of postoperative care, and patients are typically informed about pain control measures rather than being prepared to expect pain as a postoperative event.
Choice D reason:
The placement of a chest tube is a standard part of care following a lobectomy. The chest tube allows for drainage of fluid and air from the pleural space, ensuring proper lung expansion and preventing complications such as pneumothorax. Patients should be educated about the chest tube's purpose, care, and the sensations they may experience while the tube is in place.
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