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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury is correct. This is a characteristic finding of a complete spinal cord injury, where there is total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This pattern is often seen in injuries involving the cervical spinal cord, such as at the level of C7.
Choice B Reason:
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding would be more indicative of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained movement below the level of injury.
Choice C Reason:
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is not typically associated with a spinal cord injury at the level of C7. With a transection of the spinal cord at this level, there is typically complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
Choice D Reason:
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is more consistent with an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there may be partial preservation of sensory function but no motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained sensation below the level of injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Drooling is inappropriate. Drooling, also known as sialorrhea, is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease due to impaired swallowing and reduced control of the muscles involved in saliva production. Anticholinergic medications can exacerbate dry mouth, which may contribute to drooling. However, drooling is not typically a side effect that would be specifically associated with anticholinergic use.
Choice B Reason:
Anhidrosis is appropriate. Anhidrosis refers to the inability to sweat normally. Anticholinergic medications can inhibit sweating by blocking the action of acetylcholine on sweat glands, leading to decreased sweating and potentially causing hyperthermia. Anhidrosis is a potential side effect of anticholinergic agents and should be reported to the healthcare provider due to the risk of overheating.
Choice C Reason:
Tremors is inappropriate. Tremors are a common symptom of Parkinson's disease and are typically not caused by anticholinergic medications. In fact, anticholinergic agents are often prescribed to help reduce tremors in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Tremors would not be considered an adverse effect that the client should report in the context of anticholinergic therapy.
Choice D Reason:
Rigidity is inappropriate. Rigidity, or stiffness of the muscles, is a characteristic symptom of Parkinson's disease resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. While anticholinergic medications can help alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson's disease, they are not typically associated with rigidity. Rigidity would not be considered an adverse effect that the client should report in the context of anticholinergic therapy.
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