Which nursing assessment indicates a positive reading of a tuberculin (TB) skin test?
1 day after injection with a 10-mm area of redness and swelling
2 days after injection with a 5-mm area of redness and swelling
4 days after injection with a 3-mm area of redness and swelling
5 days after injection with a 2-mm area of redness and swelling
The Correct Answer is A
A. 1 day after injection with a 10-mm area of redness and swelling:
This may suggest a positive reading, but induration size is the primary criterion for interpretation, not just redness and swelling.
B. 2 days after injection with a 5-mm area of redness and swelling:
Similar to option A, a 5-mm area of redness and swelling alone does not definitively indicate a positive TB skin test. Again, without information on the size of the induration, we cannot determine if this reading is positive.
C. 4 days after injection with a 3-mm area of redness and swelling:
Once more, a 3-mm area of redness and swelling alone does not definitively indicate a positive TB skin test. As with the previous options, the size of the induration is the critical factor for interpretation.
D. 5 days after injection with a 2-mm area of redness and swelling:
As with the other options, a 2-mm area of redness and swelling alone does not definitively indicate a positive TB skin test. The presence and size of induration are essential for accurate interpretation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (< 7.35) and a decreased bicarbonate level (< 22 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.22), but the bicarbonate level is elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic acidosis.
B. Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 > 45 mm Hg), leading to a decrease in pH (< 7.35). In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), consistent with respiratory acidosis.
C. Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (> 7.45) and an elevated bicarbonate level (> 26 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.22), and the bicarbonate level is also elevated (28 mEq/L), which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide (PaCO2 < 35 mm Hg), leading to an increase in pH (> 7.45). In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), which is not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Spoon nails
Spoon nails, also known as koilonychia, refer to a concave or spoon-shaped deformity of the nails. This finding is associated with conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or certain systemic diseases, but it is not specifically associated with COPD.
B. Peripheral edema
Peripheral edema, or swelling of the extremities, is not a typical finding in COPD. It may occur in conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease, but it is not directly related to COPD unless there are comorbid conditions contributing to fluid retention.
C. Pleural friction rub
Pleural friction rub refers to a creaking or grating sound heard on auscultation of the lungs, typically during inspiration and expiration. It occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub against each other. While pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural space) may occur as a complication of COPD, pleural friction rub is not a typical finding in uncomplicated COPD.
D. Barrel chest
Barrel chest is a common finding in clients with COPD. It refers to an increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest, giving it a rounded appearance similar to that of a barrel. This occurs due to hyperinflation of the lungs, which is characteristic of COPD, particularly in advanced stages. The hyperinflation leads to chronic air trapping and increased residual volume in the lungs, causing the chest to become enlarged and rounded.
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