Patient states that they are having trouble breathing on one side of their nose. As the nurse completing a head and neck assessment, what is one possible diagnosis that you will assess for?

Epistaxis

Perforated septum

Deviated septum

Ankyloglossia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) 3+: A 3+ tonsil grading indicates that the tonsils are enlarged and occupy more than 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. The description provided in the question indicates that the tonsils occupy more than 50% but less than 75% of the space, so a 3+ grade is too large to match this description.

B) 2+: A 2+ tonsil grading indicates that the tonsils are enlarged and occupy between 50% and 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. This matches the description in the question, where the tonsils are smooth, pink, and occupy more than 50% but less than 75% of the space.

C) 1+: A 1+ tonsil grading refers to tonsils that are small and occupy less than 25% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. This would not be consistent with the findings described in the question, where the tonsils are larger and occupy a greater proportion of the oropharynx.

D) 4+: A 4+ tonsil grading indicates that the tonsils are extremely enlarged and occupy more than 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. This would be a much larger size than described in the question. Therefore, a 4+ grading is not appropriate here.

A. allergic conjunctivitis B. cataracts C. bacterial conjunctivitis D. viral conjunctivitis

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis typically presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, and watery discharge, but the discharge is usually clear, not thick and sticky. It is caused by an allergic reaction and usually does not involve the white, thick, sticky drainage that is described in the question. Itching is a hallmark symptom, but it doesn't typically cause thick drainage.

B) Cataracts: Cataracts involve clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision or difficulty seeing, but they do not cause redness, itching, or thick sticky drainage in the conjunctiva sac. Cataracts are a lens problem, not an issue with the conjunctiva, and would not present with the symptoms described in the question.

C) Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, thick, white or yellowish sticky discharge, and often causes itching or discomfort. The discharge is typically thick and can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking. This condition matches the symptoms described and is a common eye infection caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae.

D) Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis also causes redness and watery discharge, but the discharge tends to be thin and watery, not thick and sticky like bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis often involves symptoms like tearing, irritation, and a more watery, clear discharge, and is typically associated with upper respiratory symptoms. It does not match the description of thick, white, sticky drainage.

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Patient states that they are having trouble breathing on one side of their nose. As the nurse completing a head and neck assessment, what is one possible diagnosis that you will assess for?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a patient's mouth and identifies the tonsiis as smooth pink and occupying more than 50% but less than 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. What grade for the tonsils should the nurse document?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the eyes on a patient and during the inspection the conjunctiva sac is red, Itchy, and white thick sticky drainage. Which finding are these consistent with?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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