Leprosy nclex style

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient with leprosy. What is the causative agent of leprosy, and how is it classified?

A) Candida albicans; Virus
B) Mycobacterium leprae; Bacteria
C) Streptococcus pyogenes; Fungus
D) Plasmodium falciparum; Protozoa

Answer 1

B) Mycobacterium leprae; Bacteria

Rationale: Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. It is classified as a bacterial infection.

Question 2

A nursing student is learning about the diagnostic method for detecting Mycobacterium leprae. Which test is specifically mentioned as a means of detecting this bacterium?

A) Blood culture
B) Chest X-ray
C) Slit Skin Smear (SSS)
D) Urinalysis

Answer 2

C) Slit Skin Smear (SSS)

Rationale: Slit Skin Smear (SSS) is mentioned as a diagnostic method for detecting Mycobacterium leprae in leprosy.

Question 3

A community health nurse is providing education about the modes of transmission of leprosy. Which statement accurately describes a mode of transmission for leprosy?

A) Vector-borne transmission through mosquitoes
B) Direct prolonged skin-to-skin contact
C) Foodborne transmission through contaminated water
D) Airborne transmission through respiratory droplets

Answer 3

B) Direct prolonged skin-to-skin contact

Rationale: Leprosy can be transmitted through direct prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Additionally, droplet transmission can occur through coughing and sneezing.

Question 4

A nurse is assessing a patient for early signs and symptoms of leprosy. What should the nurse specifically look for in the early stages of the disease?

A) Enlargement of the breast (gynecomastia)
B) Muscle weakness and clawing of fingers and toes
C) Ulcers that do not heal and sinking of the nose bridge
D) Loss of sweating and painful, reddened eyes

Answer 4

D) Loss of sweating and painful, reddened eyes

Rationale: Early signs and symptoms of leprosy include changes in skin color, loss of sensation, and loss of sweating, which is associated with the destruction of sebaceous glands. Additionally, painful and reddened eyes can be early manifestations.

Question 5

A nursing student is studying the late signs and symptoms of leprosy. What should the student recognize as characteristic of the late stages of the disease?

A) Change in skin color and loss of sensation
B) Madarosis (loss of eyebrows) and lagophthalmos
C) Ulcers that do not heal and muscle weakness
D) Enlargement of the breast (gynecomastia) and clawing of fingers and toes

Answer 5

B) Madarosis (loss of eyebrows) and lagophthalmos

Rationale: Late signs and symptoms of leprosy include Madarosis (loss of eyebrows), lagophthalmos (inability to close the eyelids), and sinking of the nose bridge, among others.

Question 6

A patient with leprosy presents with clawing of fingers and toes. What is the significance of this manifestation?

A) Early sign of leprosy
B) Late sign of leprosy
C) Indication of muscle weakness
D) Result of gynecomastia

Answer 6

B) Late sign of leprosy

Rationale: Clawing of fingers and toes is a late sign of leprosy and is associated with the progression of the disease, leading to muscle contractures and deformities in the extremities.

Question 7

EARLY S/SX

Answer 7

Change in skin color
(reddish/white)
Loss of sensation
Loss of sweating
(destruction of
sebaceous glands)
Ulcers that do not heal
Muscle weakness
Painful and reddened eyes

Question 8

LATE S/SX

Answer 8

Madarosis (loss of
eyebrows)
Lagophthalmos (inability
to close the eyelids)
Sinking of the nose bridge
Contractures (hardening
of muscles)
Clawing of fingers and toes
Enlargement of breast
(gynecomastia)