The nurse is assessing the tonsils of an adult client. The nurse notices that the tonsils are involuted, granular in appearance, and has deep crypts. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is the correct response to these findings?
Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings.
Refer the patient to a throat specialist.
No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils.
Obtain a throat culture on the patient for possible streptococcal (strep) infection.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings: This is the correct response. Tonsils in adults can have various appearances, and a granular appearance with deep crypts is within the range of normal. It's essential for the nurse to continue the assessment and observe for other signs or symptoms that might indicate an issue.
B. Refer the patient to a throat specialist: Referring the patient based solely on the appearance of the tonsils, especially if it's a normal variant, might be unnecessary and could cause undue concern for the patient. It's important to assess the patient comprehensively before considering a specialist referral.
C. No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils: This is the correct explanation. In adults, tonsils often appear granular with deep crypts, which is considered a normal variation. No further action is required regarding the tonsils.
D. Obtain a throat culture on the patient for possible streptococcal (strep) infection: Based on the description provided (involution, granular appearance, and deep crypts), there's no specific indication of a streptococcal infection. Conducting a throat culture should be based on the presence of specific symptoms and signs indicative of a streptococcal infection, such as sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with white patches, rather than just the appearance of the tonsils.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Maxillary sinusitis:
Explanation: The client's symptoms of facial pain, fever, malaise, swollen turbinates, purulent nasal discharge, and dull, throbbing pain in the cheeks and teeth on the right side, especially when palpated, are indicative of maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, which are located in the cheek area. The symptoms described align with a bacterial infection in this sinus.
B. Nasal polyps:
Explanation: Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. While they can cause nasal congestion and a runny nose, they do not typically present with the specific symptoms mentioned in the scenario, such as facial pain, fever, and purulent discharge.
C. Frontal sinusitis:
Explanation: Frontal sinusitis involves inflammation of the frontal sinuses located in the forehead area. Symptoms may include forehead pain, headache, and nasal discharge. However, the described symptoms in the scenario (dull, throbbing pain in the cheeks and teeth on the right side) are more characteristic of maxillary sinusitis.
D. Posterior epistaxis:
Explanation: Posterior epistaxis refers to a nosebleed that originates from the back of the nose, often due to bleeding from the sphenopalatine artery. While nosebleeds can cause blood drainage into the throat and result in a metallic taste, the other symptoms described in the scenario, such as facial pain, fever, and purulent discharge, are not indicative of posterior epistaxis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Fifth intercostal space, left of the midclavicular line: This placement is used to auscultate the mitral valve, which is best heard at the apex of the heart. The mitral valve sounds are typically heard around the fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line.
B. Left lower sternal border: This placement is used to auscultate the tricuspid valve, which is best heard at the lower left sternal border.
C. Second left intercostal space: This is the correct placement for auscultating the pulmonic valve. The pulmonic valve sounds are best heard at the second left intercostal space, which is close to the upper left sternal border.
D. Second right intercostal space: This placement is used to auscultate the aortic valve, which is best heard at the second right intercostal space, close to the upper right sternal border.

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