The nurse is using the finger pads of the hand to palpate a body part. Which finding would the nurse be best able to detect?

Choice A Reason:
Rhinitis medicamentosa, also known as rebound congestion, is a condition of nasal congestion without other cold or allergy symptoms, typically caused by the overuse of nasal decongestant sprays. It does not usually present with chronic headaches or tenderness over the sinuses, which are more indicative of sinusitis.

Choice B Reason:
Acute bacterial sinusitis is likely the correct diagnosis in this scenario. It often follows a viral upper respiratory infection and presents with symptoms such as thick, discolored nasal mucus, decreased sense of smell, and facial pain or tenderness over the affected sinuses. The chronic headache and noted tenderness upon palpation over the sinuses in the client are consistent with this condition.

Choice C Reason:
Epistaxis, or nosebleed, is bleeding from the nose that can be caused by various factors, including trauma, medication, or environmental conditions. While it can be a symptom of other nasal conditions, it is not typically associated with chronic headaches or sinus tenderness following an upper respiratory infection.

Choice D Reason:
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes headaches. However, the chronic headache and sinus tenderness described by the client after an infection are more suggestive of sinusitis rather than allergic rhinitis.

Choice A Reason:
The facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII, is responsible for the taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, not the posterior third. It carries taste sensations from the front part of the tongue via the chorda tympani branch.

Choice B Reason:
The abducens nerve, or cranial nerve VI, has no role in taste sensation. It is primarily involved in controlling the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which abducts the eye.

Choice C Reason:
The glossopharyngeal nerve, or cranial nerve IX, provides special sensory innervation for taste to the posterior third of the tongue. This enables the sensation of various tastes like salty, sweet, sour, and bitter in this region.

Choice D Reason:
The hypoglossal nerve, or cranial nerve XII, is responsible for motor control of the tongue muscles but does not provide sensory innervation for taste.