A nurse is assessing a client who has suffered a traumatic brain injury. When the nurse applies a stimuli to the client, which of the following responses by the client indicates that the client has suffered an extensive cervical spine injury?
Nystagmus
Decorticate positioning
Lack of any response
Decerebrate positioning
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because nystagmus is not a response to stimuli, but a condition that causes involuntary eye movements. Nystagmus can be caused by various factors, such as inner ear disorders, brain lesions, or drug toxicity, but not necessarily by cervical spine injury.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because decorticate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the cerebral cortex or the corticospinal tract. Decorticate positioning is characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. It does not indicate cervical spine injury, which affects the spinal cord below the brainstem.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because lack of any response to stimuli can indicate various levels of brain damage or coma, but not specifically cervical spine injury. Lack of any response can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, hypothermia, or shock.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because decerebrate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the brainstem or the upper cervical spine. Decerebrate positioning is characterized by extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs. It indicates a severe and life-threatening injury that can impair vital functions, such as breathing and blood pressure.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: A distended bladder is one of the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in clients with spinal cord injuries above T-6. The bladder becomes overfilled and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and hypertension.
Choice B Reason: A severe headache is one of the most common symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, caused by the increased blood pressure in the brain. The headache may be accompanied by blurred vision, sweating, flushing, or anxiety.
Choice C Reason: An elevated blood pressure is the hallmark sign of autonomic dysreflexia, which can reach dangerously high levels and cause stroke, seizure, or death. The blood pressure may rise up to 300/160 mmHg or higher.
Choice D Reason: Nasal congestion is another possible trigger of autonomic dysreflexia, as it stimulates the nasal mucosa and activates the sympathetic nervous system. Other potential triggers include bowel impaction, skin irritation, tight clothing, or temperature changes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The test is not inconclusive, but rather positive for conductive hearing loss. The Weber test involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the center of the forehead and asking the client which ear hears the sound louder. It can help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. The client has conductive hearing loss, which is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound waves are blocked or reduced in the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by earwax, infection, fluid, perforation, or trauma. In conductive hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the affected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.
Choice C Reason: The client does not have normal hearing, but rather conductive hearing loss. In normal hearing, the Weber test shows no lateralization, meaning the sound is heard equally in both ears.
Choice D Reason: The client does not have sensorineural hearing loss, but rather conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It can be caused by aging, noise exposure, disease, or drugs. In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the unaffected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
