A nurse is assessing the reflexes of a client who has an unrepaired femur fracture and has suddenly become stuporous. For which of the following findings should the nurse identify that the client exhibits Babinski's sign?
Dorsiflexion of the great toe
Pronation of the arms
Pinpoint pupils
Jerking contractions of the head and neck
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Babinski's sign is a neurological reflex that's tested by stroking the sole of the foot. A positive Babinski's sign, which is normal in infants but abnormal in adults, is indicated by dorsiflexion of the great toe (the toe points up) while the other toes fan out. This reflex suggests dysfunction of the corticospinal tract, which may be due to various neurological conditions. In the context of a stuporous patient with an unrepaired femur fracture, a positive Babinski's sign could indicate an acute neurological change possibly related to the injury or a secondary complication such as a fat embolism syndrome, which can occur after fractures and may affect the brain.
Choice B reason:
Pronation of the arms is not associated with Babinski's sign. Pronation is a rotational movement where the hand and upper arm are turned inwards. While arm movements are part of the neurological examination, they do not constitute a response to the plantar reflex test used to elicit Babinski's sign.
Choice C reason:
Pinpoint pupils may indicate opioid overdose or damage to the pons due to various causes, but they are not a component of Babinski's sign. Pupil size and reaction to light are important in neurological assessments, but they are separate from the reflexes tested by the Babinski sign.
Choice D reason:
Jerking contractions of the head and neck are not related to Babinski's sign. These could be indicative of seizure activity or other neurological disorders but are not a response to the plantar reflex test.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking about dietary changes is relevant to a skin assessment, as diet can influence skin health. However, this question does not require intervention unless the dietary changes are directly related to the skin condition. If the client has been advised to follow a specific diet for their skin condition, then the nurse should ensure compliance with that diet.
Choice B reason:
This question shifts the focus from the skin condition’s characteristics and impact to general coping mechanisms. It does not help determine the lesion’s symptoms, triggers, or functional effects, and thus does not align with a targeted skin assessment framework, requiring intervention.
Choice C reason:
Exploring how the skin issue affects the client’s feelings reveals psychosocial stressors and the emotional burden of living with a visible condition. This insight supports holistic care planning, adherence strategies, and therapeutic rapport.
Choice D reason:
Sleep disturbances can be a consequence of skin conditions, especially if they involve itching or pain. This question is pertinent to the assessment and does not require intervention. The information gathered can help in formulating a comprehensive care plan that addresses the client's comfort and sleep quality.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While gargling with warm saline can provide symptomatic relief for a sore throat, it does not address the underlying bacterial infection. Therefore, it is not the priority action once a diagnosis of group A streptococcus has been confirmed.
Choice B reason:
Identifying close contacts is important for public health tracking and potentially preventing the spread of the infection. However, the immediate priority for the client is the initiation of treatment to address the infection.
Choice C reason:
Taking antipyretics can help manage fever and provide comfort to the client. While managing symptoms is important, it is secondary to initiating antibiotic therapy, which addresses the cause of the symptoms.
Choice D reason:
The priority action is to notify the client to return to the clinic for initiation of antibiotic therapy. Group A streptococcus is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics for treatment. Prompt initiation of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications and promote recovery.
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