A nurse is caring for a patient suffering from human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and during the inspection of mouth notes whitish thickening (growths), unable to be scraped off. What is the term for this unexpected finding?

glossitis

tonsillitis

herpes simplex

leukoplakia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Glossitis: Glossitis refers to inflammation of the tongue, which can lead to redness, swelling, and sometimes a smooth appearance. It does not typically cause whitish thickening or growths in the mouth that cannot be scraped off. Glossitis is more related to the tongue's surface rather than abnormal growths or lesions.

B) Tonsillitis: Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils, typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. It results in sore throat, swelling of the tonsils, and sometimes white patches. However, tonsillitis does not cause whitish thickening or growths on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off, making it an unlikely diagnosis here.

C) Herpes simplex: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can cause oral lesions, such as cold sores or blisters. These lesions are usually painful, fluid-filled, and can be scraped off. They do not cause thick, white, non-scrapable growths like leukoplakia does.

D) Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia refers to the development of thick, white patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which cannot be scraped off. It is often associated with conditions like HIV, smoking, and chronic irritation. The presence of leukoplakia in an HIV-positive patient is concerning because it can be precancerous. This is the correct term for the finding described in the question.

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 B

Explanation

A) Bacterial: Bacterial infections in the mouth typically result in symptoms like foul odor, swelling, or pus, but they do not generally cause a black, hairy appearance on the tongue. A black, hairy tongue is more commonly associated with fungal overgrowth or other non-bacterial factors.

B) Fungal: A black, hairy tongue is often caused by an overgrowth of yeast or fungi, particularly Candida. This condition occurs when the normal balance of microorganisms in the mouth is disrupted, leading to the growth of fungi on the tongue’s papillae. These elongated, discolored papillae can trap food, bacteria, and dead cells, leading to a dark, furry appearance.

C) Parasite: Parasitic infections in the mouth are rare and usually cause symptoms such as sores, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, but they do not typically result in a black, hairy tongue. A parasitic infection would have a different set of symptoms and appearance.

D) Viral: Viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes simplex virus, can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth but do not typically cause a black, hairy appearance of the tongue. Viral infections might also cause symptoms like fever, pain, or swelling, but not this specific characteristic.

A. pearly gray tympanic membrane B. erythema tympanic membrane C. edema of the tympanic membrane D. bulging of the tympanic membrane

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Pearly gray tympanic membrane: A healthy, normal tympanic membrane (eardrum) typically appears pearly gray and translucent. In the case of acute otitis media (AOM), the tympanic membrane usually appears erythematous (red) due to inflammation and may be bulging or swollen. A pearly gray tympanic membrane would be inconsistent with the diagnosis of acute otitis media, as it suggests a lack of infection or inflammation.

B) Erythema tympanic membrane: Erythema, or redness, of the tympanic membrane, is a common finding in acute otitis media. The inflammation from the infection causes the membrane to appear red or inflamed. This finding is consistent with the diagnosis of AOM and indicates irritation or infection in the middle ear.

C) Edema of the tympanic membrane: Edema (swelling) of the tympanic membrane is a common finding in acute otitis media. The middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid-filled, leading to swelling of the tympanic membrane. This is consistent with the diagnosis of AOM.

D) Bulging of the tympanic membrane: Bulging of the tympanic membrane is another classic sign of acute otitis media. The buildup of fluid and pus behind the eardrum causes it to bulge outward. This finding is consistent with AOM and indicates a more severe or advanced stage of the infection.

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

A nurse is caring for a patient suffering from human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and during the inspection of mouth notes whitish thickening (growths), unable to be scraped off. What is the term for this unexpected finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing the mouth f a patient and during the inspection notes a black and hairy tongue. What type of infection does the patient have?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is being admitted with a working diagnosis of acute otitis media. Upon a middle ear assessment with an otoscope, which finding is Inconsistent (pertinent negative) with this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the eyes of a patient and notes the pupils are unequal in size. Which term is appropriate to document?

During an assessment of the eyes, the nurse documents protrusion of both eyeballs. What is the name of this abnormality?

A nurse is assessing the pupil size in a patient and can expect which one as an expected finding?

A nurse is assessing a patient's mouth and identifies the tonsiis as smooth pink and occupying more than 50% but less than 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. What grade for the tonsils should the nurse document?

Facial drooping can be associated with which two disorders? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with cataracts. What cue is consistent with this diagnosis during the inspection of the eyes?

The nurse is assessing a patient and identifies a defined reddened area of the sclera resulting from leakage of blood outside the blood vessels due to increased pressure within the eye. These findings are most consistent with?

What type of clinical finding are cotton wool spots in the eye with an ophthalmoscope?