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 D
Explanation
A) Crackles: Crackles are abnormal lung sounds often associated with conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema. They result from fluid in the airways or alveoli. However, crackles are not typically the primary finding in pleuritis, which involves inflammation of the pleura.
B) Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched wheezing sound caused by an obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway, often seen in conditions such as croup or anaphylaxis. It is not characteristic of pleuritis, which involves inflammation of the pleura and not airway obstruction.
C) Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom in many respiratory conditions, including pleuritis. While pleuritis can lead to discomfort during breathing, dyspnea itself is not a sound that would be auscultated. It’s a subjective feeling that would be noted during the client’s history or verbal report, rather than an auscultatory finding.
D) Friction rub: A pleural friction rub is the most expected finding when auscultating a client with pleuritis. This sound occurs when the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other during breathing, producing a grating, scratchy sound. The nurse will typically hear this sound best on inspiration or expiration and it is the hallmark sign of pleuritis. The presence of a friction rub indicates the pleural inflammation characteristic of this condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) AV node → SA node → bundle of His → Erb's Point:
This sequence is incorrect because the electrical impulse of the heart starts at the SA (sinoatrial) node, not the AV (atrioventricular) node. The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart, initiating the electrical signal. The correct order of conduction is SA node → AV node → bundle of His → bundle branches, and finally, the Purkinje fibers. Erb's Point is an anatomical reference point for auscultation, not part of the electrical conduction pathway.
B) Bundle of His → AV node → SA node → Erb's Point:
This sequence is also incorrect. The electrical impulse originates at the SA node, not the bundle of His. The SA node stimulates the AV node, which in turn sends the signal to the bundle of His and then to the bundle branches. This pathway is essential for coordinating the contraction of the heart muscle, starting from the atria and moving to the ventricles.
C) AV node → SA node → bundle of His → bundle branches:
This sequence is reversed and incorrect. The impulse starts at the SA node, not the AV node. The SA node fires first, sending the electrical signal to the AV node, and then the signal travels down the bundle of His, into the left and right bundle branches, and finally to the Purkinje fibers.
D) SA node → AV node → bundle of His → bundle branches:
This is the correct sequence of the electrical conduction pathway of the heart. The electrical impulse originates at the SA node (the heart's natural pacemaker), then travels to the AV node, where it is delayed to allow the atria to contract and fill the ventricles. From there, the impulse moves down the bundle of His, which splits into the left and right bundle branches, leading to the Purkinje fibers that transmit the impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract. This sequence ensures proper coordination and timing of the heart's contractions.
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