A nurse is assessing the mouth f a patient and during the inspection notes a black and hairy tongue. What type of infection does the patient have?
bacterial
fungal
parasite
viral
The Correct Answer is B
A) Bacterial: Bacterial infections in the mouth typically result in symptoms like foul odor, swelling, or pus, but they do not generally cause a black, hairy appearance on the tongue. A black, hairy tongue is more commonly associated with fungal overgrowth or other non-bacterial factors.
B) Fungal: A black, hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast or fungi, particularly Candida. This condition occurs when the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth is disrupted, leading to the growth of fungi on the tongue’s papillae. These elongated, discolored papillae can trap food, bacteria, and dead cells, leading to a dark, furry appearance.
C) Parasite: Parasitic infections in the mouth are rare and usually cause symptoms such as sores, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, but they do not typically result in a black, hairy tongue. A parasitic infection would have a different set of symptoms and appearance.
D) Viral: Viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes simplex virus, can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth but do not typically cause a black, hairy appearance of the tongue. Viral infections might also cause symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling, but not this specific characteristic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis typically presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, and watery discharge, but the discharge is usually clear, not thick and sticky. It is caused by an allergic reaction and usually does not involve the white, thick, sticky drainage that is described in the question. Itching is a hallmark symptom, but it doesn't typically cause thick drainage.
B) Cataracts: Cataracts involve clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision or difficulty seeing, but they do not cause redness, itching, or thick sticky drainage in the conjunctiva sac. Cataracts are a lens problem, not an issue with the conjunctiva, and would not present with the symptoms described in the question.
C) Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, thick, white or yellowish sticky discharge, and often causes itching or discomfort. The discharge is typically thick and can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking. This condition matches the symptoms described and is a common eye infection caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
D) Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis also causes redness and watery discharge, but the discharge tends to be thin and watery, not thick and sticky like bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis often involves symptoms like tearing, irritation, and a more watery, clear discharge, and is typically associated with upper respiratory symptoms. It does not match the description of thick, white, sticky drainage.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
A) Acromegaly: Acromegaly is a condition caused by excess growth hormone, leading to enlargement of bones and tissues, particularly in the hands, feet, and face. While facial features can appear more pronounced due to bone growth, acromegaly itself does not cause facial drooping as a prominent symptom. The condition does not typically present with the sudden onset of facial weakness or asymmetry associated with drooping.
B) Bell’s Palsy: Bell’s Palsy is a disorder that affects the facial nerve, leading to sudden, unilateral facial drooping or paralysis. It is often caused by inflammation of the facial nerve, and facial drooping is one of its hallmark symptoms. It usually occurs on one side of the face, causing weakness or loss of muscle tone, leading to the drooping appearance.
C) CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident): A CVA, or stroke, can result in facial drooping, typically on one side of the face, if the stroke affects areas of the brain controlling facial muscles. A common sign of a stroke is the sudden development of facial asymmetry, including drooping of the mouth or eyelid. It is an important symptom to monitor in assessing neurological function following a stroke.
D) Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s disease can cause facial changes, such as reduced blinking and a "masked" appearance, but it does not typically cause facial drooping in the same way that Bell's Palsy or a CVA would. Parkinson’s-related facial changes stem from reduced movement rather than sudden weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. While facial expression can be diminished, true drooping is less common.
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