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
The nurse should include monitoring for muscle paralysis in the plan of care for a client with botulism poisoning. Botulism is a serious bacterial illness that can cause muscle paralysis and can be life threatening. Monitoring for muscle paralysis is essential for early detection and intervention.
Choice B is incorrect because contact isolation is not necessary for the treatment of botulism.
Choice C is incorrect because increased salivation is not a common symptom of botulism.
Choice D is incorrect because clindamycin hydrochloride is not used to treat botulism.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A change in pupil size can indicate an increase in intracranial pressure, which can lead to a life-threatening situation. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the provider.
Choice B is incorrect because difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C is incorrect because inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D is incorrect because right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice B: Difficulty speaking is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice C: Inability to follow direction is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
Choice D: Right-sided weakness is a common finding in clients who have had a left hemispheric stroke and should be monitored but is not an immediate concern.
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