A nurse is assisting with care for a client who received a tuberculin skin test 72 hr ago. When collecting data from the test site, which of the following findings indicates a need for further testing?
Nonpalpable area of redness, less than 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter
Area of ecchymosis, greater than 12 mm (0.5 in) in diameter
Tenderness at the injection site
Palpable area of induration, greater than 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter
The Correct Answer is D
Palpable area of induration, greater than 10 mm (0.4 in) in diameter. This indicates a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction for a person with no known risk factors for TB infection. A positive TST reaction means that the person has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB disease, and needs further testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out active TB disease.
The other choices are not correct because:
- Choice A. Nonpalpable area of redness, less than 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter. This indicates a negative TST reaction for any person, regardless of their risk factors for TB infection. A negative TST reaction means that the person has not been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis or has a very low level of immune response to the bacterium.
- Choice B. Area of ecchymosis, greater than 12 mm (0.5 in) in diameter. This indicates a bruise or bleeding under the skin, not a TST reaction. Ecchymosis is not caused by the injection of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin, but by trauma or injury to the blood vessels.
- Choice C. Tenderness at the injection site. This indicates a mild local reaction to the injection of tuberculin PPD into the skin, not a TST reaction. Tenderness is not measured in millimeters of induration (firm swelling), which is the standard way of reading TST results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Recent exposure to tuberculosis. This is the priority data that the nurse should address as it puts other clients and hospital staff at risk of contracting tuberculosis. Options B, C, and D are not urgent and can be addressed after addressing option A.
Reasons why the other options are not answers:
Option B: A history of generalized anxiety disorder is not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Option C: Reports periodic migraine headaches are not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Option D: Experiencing nocturia is not an urgent issue that requires the nurse's immediate attention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Apply foam handles to the client's eating utensils. This intervention can help the client grip the utensils better and improve their ability to eat.
Reasons why the other options are not answers:
Option A: Having an assistive personnel feed the client may decrease the client's autonomy.
Option C: Obtaining a referral for physical therapy may be helpful but does not address the immediate issue of difficulty with eating.
Option D: Asking the provider for a prescription for a pureed diet may not be necessary or desirable at this time.
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