A nurse is assessing the tonsils of a client and notes that the tonsils are involuted, granular in appearance, and have deep crypts. nurse should recognize that which of the following is the correct response to these findings?
Obtain a throat culture for possible streptococcal (strep) infection
Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings
Refer the client to their primary provider
No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils
The Correct Answer is D
A) Obtain a throat culture for possible streptococcal (strep) infection:
A throat culture would be indicated if the client presents with symptoms of a strep throat infection, such as a sore throat, fever, or difficulty swallowing. However, the description of involuted, granular tonsils with deep crypts is typically a normal finding, particularly in adults. This appearance is not suggestive of a bacterial infection like strep throat, which usually presents with signs of acute inflammation, exudates, or tenderness. Therefore, a throat culture is not necessary based on these findings alone.
B) Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings:
While continuing the assessment is important in any physical exam, the appearance of granular, involuted tonsils with deep crypts is generally considered a normal anatomical variation, particularly in adults. There is no indication of an abnormality that would require further investigation unless other concerning symptoms are present. If no other abnormal findings are identified, no additional action is needed at this point.
C) Refer the client to their primary provider:
Referral to a primary provider would be appropriate if there were signs of infection, significant symptoms, or concerns about the tonsils, such as severe swelling, pain, or visible pus. However, the description of the tonsils as involuted and granular, with deep crypts, does not suggest a need for referral. This is a normal variation, and no referral is necessary unless other abnormal findings or symptoms are present.
D) No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils:
This is the correct response. Tonsils can naturally become more granular and involuted (shrunken or indented) as a person ages. The deep crypts are also a normal feature of tonsils and do not necessarily indicate pathology. These findings are typically seen in adults and do not require intervention unless accompanied by signs of infection or other abnormalities. Therefore, no further action is necessary for this normal anatomical appearance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A) High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Managing cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication can reduce cardiovascular risk.
B) Diabetes: Diabetes, especially poorly controlled blood sugar levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications such as coronary artery disease and stroke. Effective management of diabetes through lifestyle changes and medication can help mitigate these risks.
C) Age: While age is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it is a non-modifiable factor. As people age, the risk of developing cardiovascular issues naturally increases due to changes in the cardiovascular system. Since age cannot be altered, it is not included in the list of modifiable risk factors.
D) Weight: Excess body weight, particularly obesity, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity contributes to conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, all of which elevate cardiovascular risk. Weight management through diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices is crucial for reducing this risk.
E) Smoking: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It damages the blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and reduces oxygen supply to the heart, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower cardiovascular risk
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) A heart murmur is a high-pitched sound caused by a narrowing of a heart valve:
While it's true that a narrowing of a heart valve (stenosis) can cause a murmur, the description of a heart murmur as a "high-pitched sound" due to this narrowing is overly specific and does not fully explain what a murmur is. A murmur is not always high-pitched, and it is caused by turbulent blood flow, which may occur for various reasons beyond just valve stenosis.
B) A heart murmur is an extra sound heard from blood entering a rigid heart chamber:
This description is somewhat inaccurate. While murmurs can result from turbulent blood flow through the heart chambers or valves, the idea that murmurs are "extra sounds from blood entering a rigid heart chamber" is misleading. A murmur occurs when there is turbulent blood flow, which can happen in both rigid and non-rigid chambers. The key point is that it's the turbulent flow, not just rigidity, that causes the sound.
C) A heart murmur is a sound generated by inflammation around the heart muscle:
This is incorrect. Inflammation around the heart muscle, such as in pericarditis, can cause chest pain or other symptoms but does not generate a heart murmur. A murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow, which can result from various heart valve issues (e.g., stenosis, regurgitation) or defects in the heart's structure (e.g., septal defects), not from inflammation around the heart muscle.
D) A heart murmur indicates turbulent blood flow through a valve in the heart:
This is the most accurate description. A heart murmur is typically caused by turbulent or irregular blood flow through a heart valve. This can occur for several reasons, such as valve stenosis (narrowing), valve regurgitation (leakage), or congenital heart defects that cause abnormal flow patterns. The turbulent flow disrupts the normal laminar (smooth) blood flow, creating the characteristic sound that can be heard with a stethoscope. Murmurs can vary in timing, pitch, and intensity depending on the nature of the flow disturbance.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.