A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has hypocalcemia. For which of the following signs should the nurse monitor?
Kernig's sign
Brudzinski's sign
Chvostek's sign
Cullen's sign
The Correct Answer is C
(A) Kernig’s sign: Kernig’s sign is a clinical sign in which severe stiffness of the hamstrings causes an inability to straighten the leg when the hip is flexed to 90 degrees. It is commonly associated with meningitis, not hypocalcemia.
(B) Brudzinski’s sign: Brudzinski’s sign is a symptom of meningitis. It is not associated with hypocalcemia.
(C) Chvostek’s sign: This is the most appropriate answer. Chvostek’s sign is a clinical sign of existing nerve hyperexcitability (tetany) seen in hypocalcemia. It refers to an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve.
(D) Cullen’s sign: Cullen’s sign is a medical term referring to superficial edema and bruising in the subcutaneous fatty tissue around the umbilicus. It is not associated with hypocalcemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(A) Blood pressure 160/94 mm Hg:
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to treat hypertension. A blood pressure reading of 160/94 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which is an indication for administering metoprolol, not withholding it.
(B) Oxygen saturation 95%:
An oxygen saturation of 95% is within the normal range and does not provide a reason to withhold metoprolol. Oxygen saturation levels are not directly impacted by this medication in a way that would warrant withholding it.
(C) Heart rate 50/min:
A heart rate of 50/min is bradycardia (a slow heart rate). Metoprolol can further lower the heart rate, so it should be withheld if the client is already experiencing bradycardia. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further instructions.
(D) Respiratory rate 18/min:
A respiratory rate of 18/min is within the normal range (12-20 breaths per minute) and does not provide a reason to withhold metoprolol. Respiratory rate is not typically a contraindication for this medication unless there are specific respiratory conditions or other related symptoms present.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
(A) Decreased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS): The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. When the SNS is stimulated, it causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, decreased stimulation of the SNS would typically lead to vasodilation, or widening of the blood vessels, which would lower blood pressure, not increase it.
(B) Decreased elasticity of blood vessels: As people age, their blood vessels can lose elasticity, which can lead to hypertension. When blood vessels are elastic, they can easily expand and contract with each heartbeat, maintaining a healthy blood pressure. But when they become stiff or rigid, they can’t expand as easily, causing the pressure inside to increase.
(c) Increased peripheral vascular resistance (PVR): Peripheral vascular resistance is the resistance that blood must overcome to flow through the blood vessels. The more resistance, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood through the body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Factors that can increase PVR include vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, and increased blood viscosity, or thickness.
(D) Decreased fluid volume: Decreased fluid volume, or hypovolemia, would typically lead to a decrease in blood pressure, not an increase. This is because blood pressure is directly related to the volume of blood in the blood vessels. When there’s less blood, the pressure inside the blood vessels is usually lower.
(E) Increased blood viscosity: Blood viscosity refers to the thickness of the blood. When blood is thicker, it’s harder for it to flow through the blood vessels, which increases the resistance to blood flow, leading to increased blood pressure.
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