A client is being evaluated for environmental allergies. While examining the client’s nasal passage, which finding suggests to the nurse that the client is experiencing allergic rhinitis?

Choice A rationale Intranasal edema and swelling of turbinates are classic signs of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response to allergens, leading to swelling and congestion in the nasal passages. The turbinates, which are structures inside the nose that help filter and humidify the air, become swollen due to the inflammatory response, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Choice B rationale Purulent secretions from the eyes and nares are more indicative of an infection, such as bacterial sinusitis or conjunctivitis, rather than allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis typically involves clear, watery secretions rather than purulent (pus-like) discharge. Choice C rationale Snoring and bilateral, pale gray nodules are suggestive of nasal polyps, which can occur in chronic rhinosinusitis but are not specific to allergic rhinitis. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can obstruct nasal passages and cause breathing difficulties. Choice D rationale Eye tearing and thick yellow nasal drainage are more characteristic of an infection, such as bacterial sinusitis or conjunctivitis. Allergic rhinitis usually causes clear, watery secretions and may involve eye symptoms like itching and tearing, but not thick yellow drainage.