The nurse is assessing the client's nasal mucosa and notes the presence of a thin, watery discharge. The client complains of sneezing and nasal congestion. The nurse would suspect which of the following in this situation?

Question

1. Rhinitis
2. Perforated septum
3. Previous epistaxis
4. Nasal polyps

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: These clinical manifestations are associated with rhinitis. Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa due to a viral infection or allergy.
Rationale 2: A perforated septum is a hole in the septum caused by chronic infection, trauma, or sniffing cocaine. It can be detected by shining a penlight through the naris on the other side.
Rationale 3: With a history of epistaxis, the nurse would note that there is old dried blood on the nasal mucosa.
Rationale 4: Nasal polyps are pale, round, firm, nonpainful overgrowth of nasal mucosa.