A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has a systemic disorder and is
receiving antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids. Both of the child's parents have a smoking history.
The child reports soreness in his mouth and refuses to eat.
Inspection of his mouth reveals a white, milky plaque that does not come off with
rubbing.
The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?
Dermatitis
Candidiasis
Herpes simplex
Squamous cell carcinoma.
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse should suspect candidiasis, also known as oral thrush.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth and is characterized by the presence of a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.
The child’s use of antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing candidiasis.
Choice A is incorrect because dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and
would not present as a white plaque in the mouth.
Choice C is incorrect because herpes simplex typically presents as painful blisters or sores in the mouth.
Choice D is incorrect because squamous cell carcinoma typically presents as a firm, painless growth, or ulcer in the mouth.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should suspect candidiasis, also known as oral thrush.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth and is characterized by the presence of a white, milky plaque that does not come off with rubbing.
The child’s use of antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing candidiasis.
Choice A is incorrect because dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and
would not present as a white plaque in the mouth.
Choice C is incorrect because herpes simplex typically presents as painful blisters or sores in the mouth.
Choice D is incorrect because squamous cell carcinoma typically presents as a firm, painless growth, or ulcer in the mouth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Pediculosis capitis.
Choice D rationale: Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice, which causes symptoms such as white flakes that do not brush off the hair easily and a rash on the back of the neck. These symptoms are due to the lice feeding on the scalp and laying eggs (nits), which can cause itching and irritation.
Choice A rationale: Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections. While it can cause a rash, it is not characterized by white flakes in the hair.
Choice B rationale: Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that causes scaly, itchy patches on the scalp. It may lead to hair loss in the affected areas, but it does not typically cause white flakes that do not brush off the hair.
Choice C rationale: Impetigo contagiosa is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that causes blisters or sores on the skin. It does not involve white flakes in the hair and primarily affects exposed skin rather than the scalp.
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