NSG 3160 CH. 17: NOSE, MOUTH, & THROAT
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
. When examining the nares of a 45-year-old patient who is
experiencing rhinorrhea, itching of the nose and eyes, and
sneezing, the nurse notices the following: pale turbinates,
swelling of the turbinates, and clear rhinorrhea. Which of these
conditions is most likely the cause?
a. Nasal polyps
b. Acute rhinitis
c. Acute sinusitis
d. Allergic rhinitis Correct Answers D
A 10-year-old is at the clinic for "a sore throat that has lasted 6
days." Which of these findings would be consistent with an
acute infection?
a. Tonsils 3+/1-4+ with pale coloring
b. Tonsils 3+/1-4+ with large white spots
c. Tonsils 2+/1-4+ with small plugs of white debris
d. Tonsils 1+/1-4+ and pink; the same color as the oral mucosa
Correct Answers B
A 32-year-old woman is at the clinic for "little white bumps in
my mouth." During the assessment, the nurse notes that she has
a 0.5-cm white, nontender papule under her tongue and one on
the mucosa of her right cheek. What would the nurse tell the
patient?
a. "These spots indicate an infection such as strep throat."
b. "These bumps could be indicative of a serious lesion, so I will
refer you to a specialist."
, c. "This condition is called leukoplakia and can be caused by
chronic irritation such as with smoking."
d. "These bumps are Fordyce granules, which are sebaceous
cysts and are not a serious condition." Correct Answers D
A 72-year-old patient has a history of hypertension and chronic
lung disease. Which is an important question for the nurse to
include in this patient's health history?
a. "Do you use a fluoride supplement?"
b. "Have you had tonsillitis in the last year?"
c. "At what age did you get your first tooth?"
d. "Have you noticed any dryness in your mouth?" Correct
Answers D
A 92-year-old patient has had a stroke. The right side of his face
is drooping. The nurse might also suspect which of these
assessment findings? a. Epistaxis b. Rhinorrhea c. Dysphagia d.
Xerostomia Correct Answers C
A mother brings her 4-month-old infant to the clinic with
concerns regarding a small pad in the middle of the upper lip
that has been there since 1 month of age. The infant has no
health problems. On physical examination, the nurse notices a
0.5-cm, fleshy, elevated area in the middle of the upper lip. No
evidence of inflammation or drainage is observed. What would
the nurse tell this mother?
a. "This area of irritation is caused from teething and is nothing
to worry about."
b. "This finding is abnormal and should be evaluated by another
health care provider."
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
. When examining the nares of a 45-year-old patient who is
experiencing rhinorrhea, itching of the nose and eyes, and
sneezing, the nurse notices the following: pale turbinates,
swelling of the turbinates, and clear rhinorrhea. Which of these
conditions is most likely the cause?
a. Nasal polyps
b. Acute rhinitis
c. Acute sinusitis
d. Allergic rhinitis Correct Answers D
A 10-year-old is at the clinic for "a sore throat that has lasted 6
days." Which of these findings would be consistent with an
acute infection?
a. Tonsils 3+/1-4+ with pale coloring
b. Tonsils 3+/1-4+ with large white spots
c. Tonsils 2+/1-4+ with small plugs of white debris
d. Tonsils 1+/1-4+ and pink; the same color as the oral mucosa
Correct Answers B
A 32-year-old woman is at the clinic for "little white bumps in
my mouth." During the assessment, the nurse notes that she has
a 0.5-cm white, nontender papule under her tongue and one on
the mucosa of her right cheek. What would the nurse tell the
patient?
a. "These spots indicate an infection such as strep throat."
b. "These bumps could be indicative of a serious lesion, so I will
refer you to a specialist."
, c. "This condition is called leukoplakia and can be caused by
chronic irritation such as with smoking."
d. "These bumps are Fordyce granules, which are sebaceous
cysts and are not a serious condition." Correct Answers D
A 72-year-old patient has a history of hypertension and chronic
lung disease. Which is an important question for the nurse to
include in this patient's health history?
a. "Do you use a fluoride supplement?"
b. "Have you had tonsillitis in the last year?"
c. "At what age did you get your first tooth?"
d. "Have you noticed any dryness in your mouth?" Correct
Answers D
A 92-year-old patient has had a stroke. The right side of his face
is drooping. The nurse might also suspect which of these
assessment findings? a. Epistaxis b. Rhinorrhea c. Dysphagia d.
Xerostomia Correct Answers C
A mother brings her 4-month-old infant to the clinic with
concerns regarding a small pad in the middle of the upper lip
that has been there since 1 month of age. The infant has no
health problems. On physical examination, the nurse notices a
0.5-cm, fleshy, elevated area in the middle of the upper lip. No
evidence of inflammation or drainage is observed. What would
the nurse tell this mother?
a. "This area of irritation is caused from teething and is nothing
to worry about."
b. "This finding is abnormal and should be evaluated by another
health care provider."
