A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected influenza. Which laboratory test can provide rapid results but is not suitable for confirmation of the diagnosis?
Viral culture.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Serology.
Rapid antigen test.
The Correct Answer is D
Rapid antigen test.
Choice A rationale:
Viral culture is a laboratory test used to grow and identify viruses, including influenza. While it is sensitive and specific, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis as it may take several days to produce results.
Choice B rationale:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive and specific test that can detect the genetic material of the influenza virus. It is suitable for confirmation of the diagnosis, but it may take a few hours to produce results, so it is not as rapid as the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Serology involves testing for antibodies produced by the body in response to the influenza virus. While it can confirm past infection, it is not suitable for rapid diagnosis of acute influenza because it may take days to weeks for antibodies to develop.
Choice D rationale:
The rapid antigen test is a quick diagnostic test that detects specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the influenza virus. It can provide results within 15-30 minutes, making it useful for rapid screening. However, it is less sensitive than PCR and may produce false-negative results in some cases. Despite this limitation, it is valuable in certain settings where immediate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and infection control.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Rash on the skin is not a common symptom of influenza. Influenza primarily affects the respiratory system and does not typically cause skin rashes.
Choice B rationale:
Diarrhea is not a typical symptom of influenza. While some gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in some cases, they are not characteristic of influenza.
Choice C rationale:
This is a correct choice. Muscle aches (myalgia) are commonly associated with influenza. Many people with influenza experience muscle pain and soreness.
Choice D rationale:
Increased appetite is not a common symptom of influenza. In fact, loss of appetite is more common during an influenza infection.
Choice E rationale:
This is a correct choice. Dry cough is a common symptom of influenza. Influenza can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to a dry cough.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"The incubation period of influenza ranges from 2 to 5 days." This is the correct response. The incubation period of influenza, which refers to the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 2 to 5 days.
Choice B rationale:
"The incubation period of influenza is about 1 week." This is incorrect. The incubation period of influenza is shorter than one week.
Choice C rationale:
"The incubation period of influenza can last up to 2 weeks." This is incorrect. While some other viral illnesses may have longer incubation periods, influenza usually has a shorter incubation period.
Choice D rationale:
"The incubation period of influenza is usually less than 24 hours." This is incorrect. The incubation period of influenza is longer than just a few hours; it typically takes a couple of days before symptoms appear.
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