The nurse is caring for a pediatric client reporting a sore throat that is inflamed with white patches on the tonsils. The nurse anticipates that the primary healthcare provider (PCHP) may order a
The nurse is caring for a pediatric client reporting a sore throat that is inflamed with white patches on the tonsils. The nurse anticipates that the primary healthcare provider (PCHP) may order a
A. sputum culture.
[5%]
B. extended respiratory virus panel.
[6%]
C. throat culture.
[81%]
D. complete blood count.
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Infectious Disease
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. The nurse expects that a throat culture will be ordered to confirm a diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis. Tonsilitis may be diagnosed by simple clinical presentation. However, a diagnostic tool to determine the causative bacterial would be a throat culture.
Choice A is incorrect. A sputum culture would not be used for an individual with localized throat pain. A sputum culture would be used if a client has infectious disorders such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Choice B is incorrect. The extended respiratory virus panel is a test sent to evaluate for the presence of some of the most common respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rhinovirus. While this client may have a virus, the nurse suspects bacterial tonsillitis based on the symptoms and expects another diagnostic test to be ordered first.
Choice D is incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) is a test done to evaluate the different components present in a client's blood, such as their red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can show if a client is anemic, has markers of infection, and much more. While this test could be ordered for many different reasons, it is not the test that will help confirm the suspected diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis. The nurse expects another diagnostic test to be ordered first.
Additional Info
✓ When performing a throat culture, the client will stick out their tongue, and the nurse should sweep the swab near each tonsil.
✓ Avoid having the swab touch the tongue, teeth, and gums, as this may contaminate the sample.
✓ Label the specimen and send it to the lab for processing.
