Are you ready to take the NCLEX? Find out with today’s question: What test should the nurse prepare a client for to measure tear production when Sjögren syndrome is suspected? Can you select the correct assessment?
The nurse in the primary care office is caring for a client suspected of having Sjögren syndrome. The healthcare provider orders a test to measure the client’s tear production. Which test should the nurse prepare the client for?
A. Shirmer test
B. Sialometry
C. Snellen eye chart exam
D. Salivary gland biopsy
Scroll down for the correct answer!
The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. Shirmer test
Rationale:The Schirmer test is done to measure tear production. During the test, a small piece of filter paper is placed under the lower eyelid to measure tear production.
Major Takeaway
Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets and attacks various exocrine glands, most commonly the lacrimal glands and the salivary glands. The diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome starts with the client’s history and physical assessment, followed by blood tests to detect autoantibodies associated with Sjogren syndrome, such as anti-Ro or SS-A antibodies, anti-La or SS-B antibodies, in addition to rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies. Eye involvement can be tested by a Schirmer test, during which a small piece of filter paper is placed under the lower eyelid to measure tear production. Other diagnostic tests include sialometry, which measures the saliva flow, as well as a sialogram to visualize the salivary ducts, and a salivary scintigraphy to assess the salivary glands’ function. Finally, the diagnosis is confirmed with a labial salivary gland biopsy.
Incorrect answer explanations
B. Sialometry
Rationale: Sialometry is a test that measures the saliva flow, not tear production.
C. Snellen eye chart exam
Rationale: The Snellen eye chart exam is a test used to assess a client’s visual acuity, not tear production.
D. Salivary gland biopsy
Rationale: A salivary gland biopsy will confirm Sjogren syndrome, which affects the salivary glands but does not test for tear production.
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