A patient is diagnosed with acute pharyngitis. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to see in this client?
A red throat and fever.
Pain over the sinus area and purulent nasal drainage.
Foul smelling breath and noisy respirations.
Weak cough and high-pitched noise on respiration.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This is a classic manifestation of acute pharyngitis, which is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. A red or inflamed throat (erythema) and fever are common symptoms due to the inflammatory response to infection. This choice aligns well with the expected findings in a patient with acute pharyngitis.
B. This description is more indicative of sinusitis rather than acute pharyngitis. While a person with acute pharyngitis may have some upper respiratory symptoms, significant sinus pain and purulent nasal discharge are not typical manifestations of pharyngitis itself.
C. Foul-smelling breath (halitosis) can occur in cases of certain infections, but it’s more characteristic of conditions such as tonsillitis or abscesses in the throat rather than typical acute pharyngitis. Noisy respirations may suggest airway obstruction or other complications that are not primary symptoms of pharyngitis.
D. A weak cough and high-pitched noise (stridor) during respiration are more indicative of upper airway obstruction or croup rather than acute pharyngitis. These symptoms suggest a more severe respiratory condition that involves airway narrowing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While pulse oximetry is important for assessing oxygen saturation and determining if supplemental oxygen is needed, it does not provide specific information about the type of pneumonia or the causative organism. It’s more of a monitoring tool than a diagnostic test to guide treatment planning.
B. Bronchoscopy can be useful for visualizing the airways and obtaining samples if the pneumonia is severe or complicated (e.g., suspected abscess or obstruction). However, it is not routinely performed for all pneumonia cases and is not the first-line diagnostic test for planning care.
C. Pulmonary function tests assess lung capacity and airflow but are not directly useful for diagnosing pneumonia or guiding immediate treatment plans. They are more relevant for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.
D. Sputum culture and sensitivity tests are critical in pneumonia cases as they help identify the specific organism causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. This information is essential for guiding the healthcare provider in planning appropriate and targeted therapy, especially in cases of community-acquired versus hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Mouth breathing is common after a tonsillectomy due to postoperative swelling and discomfort. It is not specifically a sign of hemorrhage. Instead, it is a typical adjustment as the child copes with throat pain and may find it easier to breathe through the mouth.
B. While reports of pain are expected after a tonsillectomy due to the nature of the surgery, they are not indicative of hemorrhage. Pain management is an important part of postoperative care, but increased pain alone does not signal bleeding.
C. Frequent swallowing can be a significant manifestation of hemorrhage following a tonsillectomy. This behavior may indicate that the child is trying to clear blood or secretions from the throat, or it may suggest that the child is swallowing blood that is pooling in the throat. It is an important sign for the nurse to monitor, as it can indicate active bleeding.
D. Reports of thirst are common after surgery due to fasting before the procedure and the dry mouth that can result from mouth breathing or the surgical site itself. While excessive thirst should be addressed, it is not a direct indicator of hemorrhage.
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