A nurse is assessing a client who has a herniated lumbar disc. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
The client reports relief from pain when lying in the prone position.
The client reports that their low-back pain radiates upward toward one scapula.
The client reports tingling and a burning sensation in one foot.
The client reports decreased pain when the affected leg is raised.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
The client reports relief from pain when lying in the prone position. This statement is incorrect. Clients with a herniated lumbar disc typically find relief from pain when lying on their back with their knees bent or in a fetal position. Lying prone can sometimes exacerbate the pain.
Choice B Reason
The client reports that their low-back pain radiates upward toward one scapula. This statement is incorrect. Pain from a herniated lumbar disc usually radiates downward into the buttocks, legs, and sometimes the feet, not upward toward the scapula.
Choice C Reason
The client reports tingling and a burning sensation in one foot. This is the correct finding. A herniated lumbar disc can compress spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation in the legs and feet.
Choice D Reason
The client reports decreased pain when the affected leg is raised. This statement is incorrect. Raising the affected leg often increases pain due to the stretching of the sciatic nerve, which can be compressed by the herniated disc.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Carbidopa/levodopa can cause the urine to turn a dark color, such as red, brown, or black. This is a harmless side effect but can be alarming to patients if they are not forewarned. Informing patients about this potential change helps to prevent unnecessary concern.
Choice B Reason:
Expecting immediate relief after taking carbidopa/levodopa is not accurate. While some patients may experience symptom relief relatively quickly, it often takes several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be realized. Patients should be advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to communicate with their healthcare provider about their progress.
Choice C Reason:
Taking carbidopa/levodopa with high-protein food is not recommended. High-protein foods can interfere with the absorption of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. It is generally advised to take the medication on an empty stomach or with a low-protein snack.
Choice D Reason:
Skipping a dose of the medication if experiencing dizziness is not advisable. Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa/levodopa, but it should be managed by adjusting the dose or timing of the medication rather than skipping doses. Patients should discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider to find the best management strategy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a marker of inflammation and is commonly elevated in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not a direct adverse effect of NSAID therapy. NSAIDs are more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding, which would be detected by a fecal occult blood test.
Choice B Reason
Elevated creatinine clearance is not typically associated with NSAID use. In fact, NSAIDs can potentially reduce kidney function, leading to decreased creatinine clearance. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Choice C Reason
Increased serum potassium levels can occur with NSAID use, especially in patients with compromised kidney function. However, this is less common compared to gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a more direct and frequent adverse effect of NSAID therapy.
Choice D Reason
Positive fecal occult blood test is the correct answer. NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be detected through a fecal occult blood test. This is a well-documented adverse effect of NSAID therapy and is a significant concern for patients on long-term NSAID treatment.
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