A nurse is assessing a client who has a spinal cord injury with heterotopic ossifications. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hypertension
Bradycardia
Fecal impaction
Arthralgia
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. However, it may occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to autonomic dysreflexia, a condition characterized by an exaggerated sympathetic response to stimuli below the level of injury. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can result in complications such as stroke or seizure. However, hypertension is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice B Reason:
Bradycardia is also not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. Like hypertension, bradycardia may occur in individuals with SCI due to autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure and a reflex bradycardia in response to the increased sympathetic outflow. However, bradycardia is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice C Reason:
Fecal impaction is a potential complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to impaired bowel function, but it is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications. SCI can disrupt normal bowel motility and result in neurogenic bowel dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as constipation, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. However, fecal impaction is not specific to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice D Reason:
Arthralgia is correct. Heterotopic ossifications (HO) involve the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues around joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. When HO occurs around joints, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, collectively known as arthralgia. Therefore, arthralgia is a common finding associated with heterotopic ossifications in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Osteoporosis is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to osteoporosis over time due to several factors, including chronic hypoxemia, which can affect bone metabolism and lead to bone loss.
Choice B Reason:
Polyuria is inappropriate. Polyuria, or increased urination, is not typically associated with chronic respiratory acidosis. In fact, respiratory acidosis tends to cause retention of bicarbonate ions, which can lead to compensatory metabolic alkalosis and decreased urine output.
Choice C Reason:
Anxiety and depression is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, and decreased mental acuity due to the effects of elevated CO2 levels on the central nervous system. While anxiety and depression are not direct consequences of chronic respiratory acidosis, individuals with COPD may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their chronic respiratory condition.
Choice D Reason:
Delirium is correct. Delirium, characterized by an acute change in mental status, confusion, and altered consciousness, can occur in severe cases of chronic respiratory acidosis, especially during acute exacerbations. Elevated CO2 levels can affect brain function and lead to symptoms of delirium.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. This option aligns with current guidelines for blood pressure management following a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Tight blood pressure control is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events, such as stroke. Maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 120 and 129 mm Hg has been associated with significant risk reduction in stroke recurrence compared to higher blood pressure targets. Therefore, this option reflects the recommended approach for blood pressure management in individuals with a history of TIA.
Choice B Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg: This option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 136 to 140 mm Hg may pose an increased risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice C Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg. Similarly, this option proposes a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 141 to 145 mm Hg may not provide adequate protection against stroke recurrence compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice D Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg. While this option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is closer to the recommended target compared to options B and C, it still falls slightly above the optimal range for blood pressure management following a TIA. Tighter blood pressure control, ideally below 130 mm Hg, is typically preferred to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.
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