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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is c. Inform the client to seek medical attention following administration of the injection.
Choice A reason: Reviewing the signs of anaphylaxis with the client is important, but it’s not the priority. The client must first know what to do in case of an emergency.
Choice B reason: Instructing the client to store the injector at room temperature is a part of the storage instructions, but it’s not the immediate action to take during an anaphylactic reaction.
Choice C reason: This is the priority because anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition and even after administering epinephrine, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: Having the client perform a return demonstration of the equipment is a good teaching method, but it’s not the immediate action to take when an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: Choice A: Maintain direct pressure over the site.
Here's the rationale for each choice:
- Choice A: Maintain direct pressure over the site (CORRECT) This is the most important initial step in controlling bleeding for any patient, especially one with hemophilia who has a deficiency in clotting factors. Maintaining pressure directly on the wound helps to form a clot and stop the bleeding.
- Choice B: Check whether the bleeding has stopped While checking for bleeding cessation is important, it shouldn't be the immediate next step after applying a dressing. Maintaining pressure ensures the dressing remains effective. Once pressure is released, you can assess for continued bleeding.
- Choice C: Obtain a radial pulse Assessing the radial pulse is not directly related to managing the bleeding from the laceration. While it's a vital sign, it's not a priority in this situation.
- Choice D: Reinforce the dressing over the site While reinforcing the dressing might be necessary later if it becomes saturated with blood, maintaining direct pressure is the crucial first step.
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