A nurse in a community health center is assessing the results of a tuberculin skin test she performed on a client. Which of the following results indicates exposure to and a possible infection with tuberculosis (TB)?
10 mm wheal
5 mm induration
15 mm induration
4 mm erythema
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
A 10 mm wheal is not indicative of TB infection. A wheal is a raised, often itchy area of skin that usually signifies an allergic reaction, not an infection. The TST looks for induration, which is a firm swelling, as a sign of TB infection.
Choice B Reason:
A 5 mm induration is considered positive in certain high-risk groups, such as people living with HIV, recent contacts of TB patients, or those with a history of organ transplants. For individuals without these risk factors, a 5 mm induration is not considered a positive result.
Choice C Reason:
A 15 mm induration is considered a positive TST result for individuals with no known risk factors for TB. This indicates that the person's immune system has reacted to the tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) injected under the skin, suggesting exposure to TB bacteria.
Choice D Reason:
Erythema, or redness of the skin, is not measured when interpreting TST results. The test measures induration, which is a palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling. Therefore, a 4 mm erythema does not indicate TB infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: a. Temperature, c. Color, d. Sensation.
Choice A: Temperature
Reason: Monitoring the temperature of the affected extremity is crucial in evaluating neurovascular status. A cool or cold extremity can indicate decreased perfusion, which may be a sign of neurovascular compromise. Normal skin temperature should be warm to the touch, indicating adequate blood flow.
Choice B: Ecchymosis
Reason: Ecchymosis, or bruising, is not a direct indicator of neurovascular status. While it can provide information about trauma or bleeding, it does not assess the functionality of nerves or blood vessels in the affected extremity.
Choice C: Color
Reason: Assessing the color of the extremity is essential. Pallor or cyanosis can indicate poor blood flow or oxygenation, which are critical signs of neurovascular impairment. Normal color should be consistent with the rest of the body, indicating good circulation.
Choice D: Sensation
Reason: Evaluating sensation helps determine if there is any nerve damage or impairment. Changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling, can indicate neurovascular compromise. Normal sensation should be intact and symmetrical with the unaffected extremity.
Choice E: Skin Integrity
Reason: While skin integrity is important for overall wound healing and infection prevention, it is not a primary parameter for assessing neurovascular status. It does not provide direct information about blood flow or nerve function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assessing the coping ability of the client is important, but it is not the immediate priority following abdominal surgery. The nurse must first ensure that the client's physiological needs are met and that there are no immediate postoperative complications.
Choice B reason:
While monitoring bowel sounds can provide valuable information about the return of gastrointestinal function, it is not the most immediate concern postoperatively. The nurse should prioritize assessments that ensure the client's safety and immediate physiological stability.
Choice C reason:
Ensuring the patency of the NG tube is the priority assessment. A patent NG tube is crucial for decompressing the stomach, preventing nausea and vomiting, and reducing the risk of aspiration, which can be life-threatening. It is also essential for the removal of gastric secretions and to prevent abdominal distention, which can compromise the surgical site and lead to complications such as wound dehiscence.
Choice D reason:
Assessing the surgical dressing is important to check for signs of bleeding or infection. However, the patency of the NG tube takes precedence as it is directly related to the client's airway and breathing, which are always the top priorities in postoperative care.
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