A nurse is interpreting the results of a tuberculin skin test ...

[erika]

A nurse is interpreting the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) on an adolescent who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. Which induration size indicates a positive result for this child 48 to 72 hours after the test?
 
  a. 5 mm c. 15 mm
  b. 10 mm d. 20 mm

Question 2

Why do infants and young children quickly have respiratory distress in acute and chronic alterations of the respiratory system?
 
  a. They have a widened, shorter airway.
  b. There is a defect in their sucking ability.
  c. The gag reflex increases mucus production.
  d. Mucus and edema obstruct small airways.

[Jmfn03]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Clinical evidence of a positive TST in children receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including immunosuppressive doses of steroids, or who have immunosuppressive conditions, including HIV infection, is an induration of 5 mm. Children younger than 4 years of age (a) with other medical risk conditions, including Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, or malnutrition; (b) born or whose parents were born in high-prevalence tuberculosis (TB) regions of the world; (c) frequently exposed to adults who are HIV infected, homeless, users of illicit drugs, residents of nursing homes, incarcerated or institutionalized, or migrant farm workers; and (d) who travel to high-prevalence TB regions of the world are positive when the induration is 10 mm. Children 4 years of age or older without any risk factors are positive when the induration is 20 mm.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The airway in infants and young children is narrower, not wider, and respiratory distress can occur quickly because mucus and edema can cause obstruction to their small airways. Sucking is not necessarily related to problems with the airway. The gag reflex is necessary to prevent aspiration. It does not produce mucus.

[erika]

Great answer, keep it coming

[bdobbins]

TYSM