The nurse is assessing the tonsils of an adult client. The nurse notices that the tonsils are involuted, granular in appearance, and has deep crypts. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is the correct response to these findings?
Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings.
Refer the patient to a throat specialist.
No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils.
Obtain a throat culture on the patient for possible streptococcal (strep) infection.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings: This is the correct response. Tonsils in adults can have various appearances, and a granular appearance with deep crypts is within the range of normal. It's essential for the nurse to continue the assessment and observe for other signs or symptoms that might indicate an issue.
B. Refer the patient to a throat specialist: Referring the patient based solely on the appearance of the tonsils, especially if it's a normal variant, might be unnecessary and could cause undue concern for the patient. It's important to assess the patient comprehensively before considering a specialist referral.
C. No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils: This is the correct explanation. In adults, tonsils often appear granular with deep crypts, which is considered a normal variation. No further action is required regarding the tonsils.
D. Obtain a throat culture on the patient for possible streptococcal (strep) infection: Based on the description provided (involution, granular appearance, and deep crypts), there's no specific indication of a streptococcal infection. Conducting a throat culture should be based on the presence of specific symptoms and signs indicative of a streptococcal infection, such as sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with white patches, rather than just the appearance of the tonsils.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound usually heard during expiration. It is often associated with narrowed airways, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing occurs due to the turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi or bronchioles and is not typically associated with pleuritis.
B. Friction rub: Pleuritis, or inflammation of the pleura, can cause a friction rub. This sound occurs when the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other during breathing. It's a grating or rubbing sound heard on auscultation and is a hallmark sign of pleuritis.
C. Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration and sometimes expiration. It is often a sign of upper airway obstruction, such as in croup or anaphylaxis. Stridor results from turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed or narrowed larynx or trachea.
D. Crackles: Crackles, also known as rales, are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds heard on inspiration. They can be fine or coarse and are often associated with conditions that cause fluid or secretions in the alveoli or small airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically associated with pleuritis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. When bronchial breath sounds are auscultated in the trachea.
Auscultating bronchial breath sounds in the trachea is a normal finding, as the trachea is close to the upper airway, and this is where bronchial sounds are normally heard. However, if these sounds are heard in the peripheral lung fields, it can indicate an abnormal condition.
B. When the client is experiencing excessive sneezing from a tree pollen allergy.
Excessive sneezing due to allergies would not typically result in increased breath sounds. Allergies may cause nasal congestion, but they don't directly lead to increased breath sounds.
C. When the client is resting in bed and not experiencing respiratory issues.
If a client is at rest and not experiencing any respiratory issues, breath sounds should typically be normal. There would be no reason to expect increased breath sounds in this scenario.
D. When the bronchial tree is obstructed by secretions.
Increased breath sounds, such as wheezing or rhonchi, can be auscultated when there is an obstruction in the bronchial tree due to secretions, narrowing of the airways, or other causes. These sounds are typically abnormal and indicate an issue with air movement through the airways.
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