During the oral assessment of a 30-year-old patient of African descent, the nurse notes bluish lips and a dark line along the gingival margin. What would the nurse do in response to this finding?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Bluish lips indicate cyanosis, a sign of inadequate oxygen supply. 2. Dark line along gingival margin suggests lead poisoning. 3. The nurse should assess for other signs of inadequate oxygen supply to determine the severity and underlying cause. 4. This finding is not normal and requires further evaluation to prevent complications. Summary: A: Checking hemoglobin for anemia is not the immediate priority when cyanosis and lead poisoning are suspected. C: Assuming this is a normal finding can lead to overlooking a potentially serious condition. D: Carbon monoxide exposure could be a consideration, but assessing for overall oxygen supply is more crucial in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the presentation of clear vesicles with an erythematous base around them at the lip-skin border is characteristic of herpes simplex virus 1 infection, commonly known as cold sores. Given the patient's recent travel to Hawaii, exposure to the virus is likely. This infection is self-limiting and typically heals in 4 to 10 days without the need for specific treatment. Choice A is incorrect because seeing a skin specialist may not be necessary for a self-limiting viral infection. Choice B is incorrect as a biopsy is not typically indicated for a clear clinical diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection. Choice D is incorrect as riboflavin deficiency does not present with clear vesicles and erythema at the lip-skin border.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "This is a fungal infection caused by all the antibiotics you've received." The black, hairy tongue is a known side effect of prolonged antibiotic use, which disrupts the balance of normal oral flora and predisposes to fungal overgrowth, specifically of the yeast Candida. Antibiotics can eliminate the competing bacteria that normally keep Candida in check. Therefore, the patient's symptoms are most likely due to a fungal infection related to antibiotic therapy, rather than a bacterial issue or temporary overgrowth of hair. Biopsy is not necessary as the condition is commonly seen in this context and can be managed with appropriate treatment for fungal overgrowth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teeth that appear shorter. As people age, teeth naturally wear down and may appear shorter due to years of use. This is a normal part of the aging process. B: A smoother tongue is not a typical age-related change. C: Beefy red buccal mucosa may be indicative of an underlying health issue, not solely related to aging. D: A painless lump on the tongue could be a sign of a more serious condition and should be investigated further.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a possible complication of untreated strep throat due to an abnormal immune response to the streptococcal infection. This can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain. If left untreated, rheumatic fever can cause serious long-term damage to the heart valves. The other choices are incorrect because Rubella is a viral infection causing a rash, Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition of the mouth, and Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection characterized by a red rash. These conditions are not directly associated with untreated strep throat.