A nurse is reinforcing teaching about diagnostic tests with the parents of a child who has suspected cystic fibrosis. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse include as the most definitive when diagnosing cystic fibrosis?
Pulmonary function test
Sweat chloride test
Stool fat content analysis
Sputum culture
The Correct Answer is B
A. Pulmonary function test:
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess lung function by measuring airflow, lung volume, and gas exchange. While PFTs can provide valuable information about respiratory function, they are not specific to cystic fibrosis and may show abnormalities consistent with various respiratory conditions. However, PFTs are often performed in individuals with cystic fibrosis to monitor lung function over time and assess response to treatment. They are not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing cystic fibrosis.
B. Sweat chloride test:
This option is correct. The sweat chloride test is considered the most definitive diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. It measures the concentration of chloride in sweat, which is typically elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to defective chloride transport in sweat glands. A sweat chloride concentration above a certain threshold (usually ≥60 mmol/L) is diagnostic of cystic fibrosis, particularly when confirmed with repeat testing.
C. Stool fat content analysis:
Stool fat content analysis evaluates fat absorption and fecal fat excretion, which may be impaired in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to pancreatic insufficiency. However, while stool fat content analysis can provide supportive evidence of malabsorption in cystic fibrosis, it is not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing the condition. Stool fat content analysis is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to assess pancreatic function and nutritional status in individuals with cystic fibrosis.
D. Sputum culture:
Sputum culture involves culturing respiratory secretions to identify bacterial pathogens, which can be useful for diagnosing respiratory infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. However, sputum culture is not specific to cystic fibrosis and may show similar findings in other respiratory conditions. While respiratory cultures are important for guiding treatment in cystic fibrosis, they are not considered the most definitive test for diagnosing the condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "At this age you should expect your child to be upset when you leave.": This statement provides normalcy to the parents' experience and reassures them that their child's reaction is typical for his age. It acknowledges the child's developmental stage and separation anxiety, helping to alleviate parental concerns.
B. "Your child needs to rest.": While rest is important for infants, this statement does not address the child's emotional needs or the parents' concerns about leaving their child. It may also minimize the significance of the child's distress.
C. "I will notify the provider of his behavior.": Notifying the healthcare provider may be appropriate if the child's distress continues or if there are concerns about the child's well-being, but this statement does not directly address the parents' concerns or provide guidance on how to manage the situation.
D. "Your child is responding to an overstimulating environment.": This statement suggests a possible cause for the child's distress but does not provide guidance or reassurance to the parents on how to address the situation or manage their child's reaction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apical:
The apical pulse is the most reliable location to assess the pulse in infants. It is located at the apex of the heart, which is typically found at the fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line. Assessing the apical pulse allows for a direct measure of the heart rate and rhythm, which is especially important in infants to evaluate cardiac function accurately. The apical pulse is commonly assessed using a stethoscope placed at the point of maximum impulse (PMI) on the chest.
B. Dorsalis pedis:
The dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot, typically in the region between the first and second metatarsal bones. While the dorsalis pedis pulse can be palpated in older children and adults, it may be difficult to palpate accurately in infants, especially those with smaller or more delicate feet. Therefore, it is not the preferred site for pulse assessment in infants.
C. Temporal:
The temporal pulse is located on the side of the head, just above the ear. While the temporal pulse can be palpated in some individuals, it is not typically used to assess the pulse in infants. Palpating the temporal pulse in infants may be more challenging and less reliable compared to other pulse sites, especially given the smaller size of the temporal artery in infants.
D. Carotid:
The carotid pulse is located in the neck, alongside the trachea, and can be palpated by gently pressing the fingers against the carotid artery. While the carotid pulse is easily palpable in adults and older children, it is not typically the preferred site for pulse assessment in infants. Palpating the carotid pulse in infants carries a risk of injury to the delicate structures in the neck and may not provide an accurate representation of the pulse rate.
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