Which finding should raise the greatest concern for a nurse who is performing an ear nose and throat (ENT) examination?

A painful ulcerated mucosal area inside the cheek for 1 day.

Stippled gingival margins that adhere firmly to the teeth.

A number of small yellowish-white and raised lesions on the buccal mucosa.

An ulceration under the tongue that has been present for the last three

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   A painful ulcerated mucosal area inside the cheek that has been present for only 1 day is concerning but less alarming in the short term compared to chronic lesions. Acute ulcers can be caused by minor trauma, infections, or canker sores. While it is important to monitor and evaluate these lesions, especially if they persist or worsen, a duration of only 1 day typically suggests it might be related to a transient condition.
B.   Stippled gingival margins that adhere firmly to the teeth can indicate gingival hyperplasia or certain systemic conditions like vitamin deficiencies. While this finding can be concerning and warrants further investigation into oral health or potential systemic issues, it is generally less urgent compared to other findings that may indicate malignancy or severe chronic conditions.

C.   Small yellowish-white lesions on the buccal mucosa could be oral leukoplakia or aphthous ulcers, which can be benign or related to underlying conditions. While these lesions need to be assessed to determine their cause, they are usually less immediately concerning than persistent ulcers that could indicate more serious issues.
D.   An ulceration under the tongue that has been present for three weeks is the most concerning finding. Chronic oral ulcers, especially those persisting for more than two weeks, can be indicative of serious conditions such as oral cancer or other malignancies. Persistent lesions warrant thorough investigation to rule out or address potential malignancy or other significant pathologies.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["20"]

Explanation

The standard distance for a visual acuity test using the Snellen chart is 20 feet. This distance allows for an accurate assessment of how well a person can see the details of the letters on the chart, which is a common method used by eye doctors to measure visual acuity.

A. Ask the client to perform light exercise and observe the respiratory effort. B. Document "dyspnea on exertion" in the client's medical record. C. Ask the client to describe the episodes of dyspnea in more detail. D. Explain to the client the possible causes of dyspnea or "shortness of breath."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Performing light exercise may help in assessing how the client’s respiratory system responds to physical exertion and could reveal if the shortness of breath is related to activity. However, this action might not be appropriate if the client is currently asymptomatic or if the nurse needs more detailed information about the episodes of dyspnea.
B. Documenting "dyspnea on exertion" might be appropriate if the nurse has already confirmed that the shortness of breath occurs specifically with physical activity. However, based on the information provided, the nurse has not yet gathered sufficient details to confirm whether the dyspnea is related to exertion or another cause.
C. This option is the best initial action because it allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the nature, frequency, duration, and triggers of the client's shortness of breath. Understanding the context and specifics of the episodes will help in determining whether the dyspnea is related to underlying health issues, activity, or other factors.
D. While explaining the possible causes of dyspnea can be informative for the client, it may not address the immediate need for a detailed assessment of the client's symptoms. Providing education is valuable, but understanding the client's specific experience with dyspnea should take precedence to tailor the explanation and subsequent care effectively.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which finding should raise the greatest concern for a nurse who is performing an ear nose and throat (ENT) examination?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assessing the visual acuity of a client who reports changes in vision. How many feet away from the Snellen chart should the client stand? (Enter a whole number only.)

Correct Answer is ["20"]

Explanation

While obtaining a health history, a client tells the nurse that he sometimes experiences shortness of breath. The nurse determines that the client's respirations are regular and deep, and his respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. What is the best nursing action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which method should the nurse use to assess response to painful stimuli for a client with a marked reduction in the level of consciousness (LOC)?

A male client reports the onset of a burning sensation in his hands and legs. How should the nurse document this finding in the electronic medical record (EMR)?

The nurse is assessing a female client who states that her hemorrhoids are inflamed and hurt constantly. Which intervention is best for the nurse implement to complete a focused assessment?

In reading a client's record, the nurse notes that the client is experiencing tinnitus. Which assessment provides the nurse with the information needed to evaluate the effects of this condition?

The nurse is examining the abdomen of an older male client who expresses suprapubic tenderness on palpation. The client reports that it sometimes feels like there is still pressure in that area after urination. Which additional finding should the nurse expect with continued interview of the client?

The nurse examines a client admitted with a deep, constant pain in the abdomen that radiates to the back. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

While assessing a client, the nurse observes that the client has a frequent productive cough. What follow-up assessment should the nurse evaluate first?