A nurse is caring for a patient suffering from human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and during the inspection of mouth notes whitish thickening (growths), unable to be scraped off. What is the term for this unexpected finding?
glossitis
tonsillitis
herpes simplex
leukoplakia
The Correct Answer is D
A) Glossitis: Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue, which can lead to redness, swelling, and sometimes a smooth appearance. It does not typically cause whitish thickening or growths in the mouth that cannot be scraped off. Glossitis is more related to the tongue's surface rather than abnormal growths or lesions.
B) Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils, typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. It results in sore throat, swelling of the tonsils, and sometimes white patches. However, tonsillitis does not cause whitish thickening or growths on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off, making it an unlikely diagnosis here.
C) Herpes simplex: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can cause oral lesions, such as cold sores or blisters. These lesions are usually painful, fluid-filled, and can be scraped off. They do not cause thick, white, non-scrapable growths like leukoplakia does.
D) Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia refers to the development of thick, white patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which cannot be scraped off. It is often associated with conditions like HIV, smoking, and chronic irritation. The presence of leukoplakia in an HIV-positive patient is concerning because it can be precancerous. This is the correct term for the finding described in the question.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Rosenbaum test: The Rosenbaum test is used to assess near vision and is typically performed with a handheld card to check for presbyopia, which is the difficulty seeing up close. It is not appropriate for testing peripheral vision, which is the focus of the current assessment.
B) Consensual constriction: Consensual constriction refers to the reaction of the pupil in the opposite eye when light is shined into one eye. This test assesses the pupillary light reflex, which evaluates how well the pupils constrict in response to light. It is not used to assess peripheral vision and focuses more on the function of the optic nerve and pupil reaction.
C) Corneal Light Reflex: The corneal light reflex is a test used to assess for strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) by checking the symmetry of the light reflection on the cornea. This test helps in diagnosing eye alignment issues, but it does not evaluate peripheral vision.
D) Confrontation test: The confrontation test is a straightforward and effective method used to assess peripheral vision. The nurse and patient sit facing each other, and the patient covers one eye while the nurse tests the other eye’s visual fields by moving their fingers in from the periphery. This test evaluates the patient's ability to detect objects in their peripheral vision and is specifically designed for this purpose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) 2 mm: A pupil size of 2 mm would be considered small and is generally indicative of miosis, which can occur due to certain medications, increased intracranial pressure, or other factors. A size of 2 mm is not typically expected as a normal finding for pupil size in healthy individuals.
B) 6 mm: While 6 mm is within the upper normal range for pupil size, it is on the larger end. Pupils usually range from 3 mm to 6 mm in size under normal lighting conditions. However, pupils dilating to 6 mm can occur in response to low light conditions or sympathetic stimulation.
C) 8 mm: A pupil size of 8 mm would be considered dilated (mydriasis) and is abnormal under normal lighting conditions. Such a large pupil may suggest conditions like drug use, neurological issues, or other medical concerns that need to be assessed.
D) 4 mm: A pupil size of 4 mm is considered a normal and expected finding under standard lighting conditions. It falls within the typical range for adult pupil size and reflects a healthy, functional response to ambient light conditions. This size is within the commonly observed range for normal pupils.
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.
