Patient states that they are having trouble breathing on one side of their nose. As the nurse completing a head and neck assessment, what is one possible diagnosis that you will assess for?
Epistaxis
Perforated septum
Deviated septum
Ankyloglossia
The Correct Answer is C
A) Epistaxis: Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, typically presents with the sudden onset of blood coming from one or both nostrils. Although a nosebleed can cause discomfort and a sense of obstruction, it does not typically present as difficulty breathing through one side of the nose. Epistaxis is more related to trauma, dry air, or nasal irritation rather than a structural issue causing airflow restriction.
B) Perforated septum: A perforated septum refers to a hole or tear in the nasal septum, the cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. It may cause symptoms such as a whistling sound when breathing or increased susceptibility to infections, but difficulty breathing on one side of the nose alone isn't the most common symptom. A perforated septum is often associated with chronic drug use or injury, but it doesn't usually present with unilateral breathing difficulty unless it's very severe.
C) Deviated septum: A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall of bone and cartilage that divides the nasal cavity is displaced to one side. This condition is one of the most common causes of breathing difficulty on one side of the nose. The deviation can obstruct airflow, leading to symptoms like difficulty breathing through one nostril, congestion, or sinus infections. This diagnosis is most likely based on the patient's complaint.
D) Ankyloglossia: Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, refers to a condition where the frenulum (the membrane under the tongue) is abnormally short, restricting the tongue's movement. While it can cause feeding difficulties in infants or speech issues, it has no connection to nasal airflow or breathing problems. This diagnosis is unrelated to the symptoms described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E","G"]
Explanation
A) Consensual constriction present: Consensual constriction of the pupil is a normal finding when light is shined into one eye, causing both pupils to constrict simultaneously. This is a normal response and not an unexpected finding.
B) Snellen chart finding 20/40: A Snellen chart result of 20/40 indicates that the patient's vision is slightly less than normal but still within acceptable limits for daily functioning. This is not considered an unexpected or abnormal finding for an adult.
C) Sting to the upper eyelid: A sting or discomfort in the upper eyelid is an unexpected finding and may suggest irritation, infection (such as blepharitis), or trauma. This symptom should be further evaluated, as it is not typical during a normal eye assessment.
D) Pupil size 4 mm: A pupil size of 4 mm is considered normal and expected in a well-lit environment for most adults. It falls within the typical range for pupil size, so it is not an unexpected finding.
E) Jerky eye movements with the 6 Cardinal Fields of Gaze: Jerky or abnormal eye movements, such as nystagmus or inability to follow the cardinal fields of gaze smoothly, are unexpected findings. This could suggest neurological conditions, muscle weakness, or issues with the vestibular system, all of which warrant further investigation.
F) Pupil size 6 mm: A pupil size of 6 mm can be normal in low-light conditions (dilated pupils), but in a well-lit environment, it is on the larger end of the normal range. If this is observed in normal light, it may indicate a pathological condition, medication side effect, or neurological issue, but it could also be normal for some individuals. It’s less of an "unexpected" finding than jerky eye movements or a stinging sensation, but it may warrant monitoring if unusual for the patient.
G) Erythema to lower eyelid: Erythema (redness) to the lower eyelid is an unexpected finding, which could suggest an infection (such as conjunctivitis), irritation, or inflammation. This finding should be further assessed, as redness in the eyelid area is not typical during a normal eye assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Expected finding: Cotton wool spots are not considered an expected finding during a routine eye exam. These spots are indicative of underlying pathology, and their presence typically suggests an abnormality that warrants further investigation. They are not part of normal eye anatomy or typical health.
B) Unexpected finding: Cotton wool spots are small, white, fluffy lesions in the retina that occur due to microinfarctions of retinal nerve fibers. Their presence is considered an unexpected or abnormal finding during an ophthalmoscopic exam and can be associated with several conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and other systemic diseases that affect blood flow to the retina. Their appearance is a signal of potential underlying health issues that require attention.
C) Expected variation: Cotton wool spots are not a variation of normal anatomy or function. They are pathological and should not be regarded as a normal variation of retinal appearance during an eye exam.
D) Irrelevant: The term "irrelevant" is not applicable in this context, as the presence of cotton wool spots is highly relevant to the clinical assessment. Their discovery suggests a need for further investigation into the patient's overall health, particularly cardiovascular or systemic conditions.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.