A nurse is assessing a patient with a complaint of cold and sinus pain. Which sinuses would the nurse palpate?
ethmoid
maxillary
mastoid
sphenoid
The Correct Answer is B
A. Ethmoid: The ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes and are not typically accessible for palpation during a physical examination. Instead, tenderness in this area is assessed through inspection and indirect methods rather than direct palpation.
B. Maxillary: The maxillary sinuses are located in the cheeks and are accessible for palpation. The nurse can assess for tenderness or swelling in this area, which can indicate sinusitis or infection. Palpating the maxillary sinuses is a standard part of the examination for patients with cold and sinus pain.
C. Mastoid: The mastoid process is located behind the ear and contains air cells, but it is not directly involved in sinus pain associated with cold symptoms. While mastoid tenderness may indicate a different type of infection (such as mastoiditis), it is not part of the sinus assessment.
D. Sphenoid: The sphenoid sinuses are located deep within the skull, behind the nasal cavity, and are not accessible for palpation during a physical examination. Any issues with the sphenoid sinuses would typically be assessed through imaging studies rather than physical palpation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes typically indicate an immune response to infection or inflammation. While allergies can cause mild lymph node enlargement due to chronic irritation, they do not directly cause the characteristic facial signs described, such as the transverse nasal crease and allergic shiners.
B. Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is a symptom rather than a primary diagnosis. Although allergies can cause nasal congestion, the child exhibits additional hallmark signs of allergic rhinitis, including allergic shiners, Dennie-Morgan lines, and a nasal crease, suggesting a chronic allergic process rather than isolated congestion.
C. Upper respiratory infection: Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes, but they are usually short-lived and accompanied by fever, malaise, or yellow-green nasal discharge. The presence of a nasal crease and allergic shiners suggests a chronic process like allergic rhinitis rather than an acute infection.
D. Chronic allergies: The presence of a transverse nasal crease from frequent "allergic salute" rubbing, dark periorbital circles (allergic shiners) due to venous congestion, and Dennie-Morgan lines (double creases under the eyes) are classic findings in allergic rhinitis. These symptoms, along with watery eyes and clear nasal drainage, strongly indicate a chronic allergic condition rather than an infectious cause.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Nystagmus in extreme superior gaze: A few beats of nystagmus in extreme lateral gaze may be normal, but sustained nystagmus, especially in superior gaze, suggests neurological impairment such as vestibular dysfunction or multiple sclerosis.
B. Slight amount of lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior to an inferior position: Lid lag, where the upper eyelid lags behind the downward movement of the eye, is often associated with hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves' disease). It is not a normal finding in the diagnostic positions test.
C. Convergence of the eyes: Convergence is assessed when a person focuses on a near object, such as during an accommodation test. The diagnostic positions test evaluates extraocular muscle function and cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, focusing on coordinated movement rather than convergence.
D. Parallel/synchronized movement of both eyes: The normal finding in the diagnostic positions test is smooth, coordinated movement of both eyes in all six cardinal directions without lagging, misalignment, or significant nystagmus. This indicates intact extraocular muscles and proper cranial nerve function.
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