A client who has uncontrolled diabetes mellitus visits a clinic. Client reports numbness and tingling in the feet which keeps them up at night. The nurse explains this condition as a nerve disorder called peripheral neuropathy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of what causes this condition?
"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord."
"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual."
"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet."
"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage."
The Correct Answer is D
"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord." is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes is not simply the nerves "going to sleep" due to lack of communication between the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B Reason:
"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual" is incorrect because while the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy may not always be known, in the context of diabetes mellitus, the link between elevated blood sugar levels and nerve damage is well-established.
Choice C Reason:
"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet. “is incorrect because while decreased blood flow (ischemia) can contribute to peripheral neuropathy in some cases, the primary mechanism in diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to hyperglycemia rather than reduced blood flow.
Choice D Reason:
"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage." Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly when the condition is uncontrolled. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to damage to the nerves, especially those in the feet and legs. This damage can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the affected areas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect. Tension pneumothorax typically leads to respiratory distress and hypoxemia rather than respiratory alkalosis. The respiratory alkalosis may occur initially due to hyperventilation in response to hypoxemia but would not be directly related to tracheal deviation.
Choice B Reason:
Increased venous return is incorrect. Tension pneumothorax actually leads to decreased venous return due to compression of the great vessels in the thorax, particularly the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. This compression results from the increased pressure within the thorax, which impedes blood flow back to the heart.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased cardiac output is incorrect. Tension pneumothorax can indeed lead to decreased cardiac output due to compression of the heart and the great vessels by the accumulating air in the pleural space. This compression decreases venous return and impairs cardiac function.
Choice D Reason:
Dilated ventricles is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, tension pneumothorax can lead to compression of the heart, including the ventricles. This compression can cause dilatation of the ventricles, particularly the right ventricle, due to increased afterload and decreased venous return.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Correct answer: D
Choice A Reason:
Decreased pulmonary vascular resistance is incorrect. Inflammatory mediators released in response to a pulmonary embolism can lead to vasoconstriction and increased pulmonary vascular resistance. This is part of the body's response to redirect blood flow away from the affected area of the lung and maintain adequate perfusion to other areas.
Choice B Reason:
Hypercapnia is incorrect. Hypercapnia refers to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.Hypocapnia usually is present with embolism; hypercapnia, on the other hand, is rare.
Choice C Reason:
Hypoventilation is incorrect. Hypoventilation occurs when there is inadequate ventilation of the lungs relative to metabolic demands. In the context of a pulmonary embolism, hypoventilation can occur due to factors such as pain, respiratory muscle fatigue, or impaired gas exchange, all of which can be influenced by the release of inflammatory mediators.
Choice D Reason:
Respiratory alkalosis is correct.In response to the blockage and the resulting inflammation, the body often increases the respiratory rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate oxygen levels and remove carbon dioxide.Due to the increased breathing rate, there is excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in the partial pressure of CO2 in the blood. This results in an increase in blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis.
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