A nurse palpates the neck using a three finger technique. what is the nurse assessing?

A) Epistaxis: Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, typically presents with the sudden onset of blood coming from one or both nostrils. Although a nosebleed can cause discomfort and a sense of obstruction, it does not typically present as difficulty breathing through one side of the nose. Epistaxis is more related to trauma, dry air, or nasal irritation rather than a structural issue causing airflow restriction.

B) Perforated septum: A perforated septum refers to a hole or tear in the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. It may cause symptoms such as a whistling sound when breathing or increased susceptibility to infections, but difficulty breathing on one side of the nose alone isn't the most common symptom. A perforated septum is often associated with chronic drug use or injury, but it doesn't usually present with unilateral breathing difficulty unless it's very severe.

C) Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity is displaced to one side. This condition is one of the most common causes of breathing difficulty on one side of the nose. The deviation can obstruct airflow, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing through one nostril, congestion, or sinus infections. This diagnosis is most likely based on the patient's complaint.

D) Ankyloglossia: Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, refers to a condition where the frenulum (the membrane under the tongue) is abnormally short, restricting the tongue's movement. While it can cause feeding difficulties in infants or speech issues, it has no connection to nasal airflow or breathing problems. This diagnosis is unrelated to the symptoms described.

A) Bacterial: Bacterial infections in the mouth typically result in symptoms like foul odor, swelling, or pus, but they do not generally cause a black, hairy appearance on the tongue. A black, hairy tongue is more commonly associated with fungal overgrowth or other non-bacterial factors.

B) Fungal: A black, hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast or fungi, particularly Candida. This condition occurs when the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth is disrupted, leading to the growth of fungi on the tongue’s papillae. These elongated, discolored papillae can trap food, bacteria, and dead cells, leading to a dark, furry appearance.

C) Parasite: Parasitic infections in the mouth are rare and usually cause symptoms such as sores, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, but they do not typically result in a black, hairy tongue. A parasitic infection would have a different set of symptoms and appearance.

D) Viral: Viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes simplex virus, can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth but do not typically cause a black, hairy appearance of the tongue. Viral infections might also cause symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling, but not this specific characteristic.