A nurse is caring for a client that has been recently diagnosed with Guillian-Barre syndrome. What would the nurse consider to be common risk factors associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GB5)? (select all that apply)
Associated with recent vaccination
Associated with tobacco use
Recent surgical experience
Presence of a thymus gland
Associated with exposure to a recent viral infection
Correct Answer : A,C,E
A) Associated with recent vaccination:
Vaccinations, particularly those for influenza and other viral infections, have been linked to an increased risk of GBS in some cases. This association is believed to be due to an immune response that may trigger the autoimmune attack on the peripheral nervous system, leading to GBS.
B) Associated with tobacco use:
While smoking has been associated with various health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, there is no established direct link between tobacco use and the development of GBS. The pathophysiology of GBS is more strongly related to infections and certain immune responses rather than lifestyle factors like smoking.
C) Recent surgical experience:
It is believed that the stress from surgery, particularly in the presence of an infection or immune response, may trigger the development of GBS. Infections, especially bacterial infections like those caused by Campylobacter jejuni, which is a common antecedent of GBS, can sometimes occur after surgery.
D) Presence of a thymus gland:
The thymus is involved in the immune system, particularly in the development of T-cells, but there is no direct correlation between the thymus gland and the onset of GBS. GBS is more closely related to infections (viral or bacterial), recent vaccinations, or surgery rather than anatomical features like the thymus.
E) Associated with exposure to a recent viral infection:
Viral infections such as Zika virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), influenza, and others can trigger an autoimmune response that leads to the development of GBS. Infections are the most common precipitating factor for GBS, and the immune system’s response to the viral infection may cause the body to mistakenly attack its own peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of GBS.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Crackles upon auscultation:
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood to the body, causing blood to back up into the lungs. This results in pulmonary congestion, which often manifests as crackles (also called rales) upon auscultation, particularly in the lower lobes of the lungs. The crackles are caused by the fluid accumulation in the alveoli, a hallmark sign of left-sided heart failure.
B) Palpable liver during assessment:
A palpable liver is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the blood backs up into the venous system, causing congestion in organs such as the liver and spleen. This leads to hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), which can be palpated during physical examination. Therefore, a palpable liver is not typically a manifestation of left-sided heart failure.
C) Pitting Edema:
Pitting edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure. When the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively, blood backs up in the systemic circulation, leading to fluid retention and edema in the lower extremities, abdomen (ascites), or other dependent areas. While pitting edema can occur in left-sided heart failure, it is more commonly a finding in right-sided heart failure or congestive heart failure.
D) Distended jugular veins:
Distended jugular veins (JVD) are also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. When the right side of the heart fails, blood backs up in the venous system, leading to increased venous pressure, which can be observed as jugular venous distension. This is a key finding in right-sided heart failure.
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
A) Unilateral facial drooping:
Unilateral facial drooping is the hallmark sign of Bell's palsy, a condition that results from inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This inflammation causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping of the mouth, eyelid, and other facial features on the affected side. The facial drooping may worsen with smiling, closing the eyes, or other facial expressions, making this a key finding in Bell’s palsy.
B) Unilateral arm weakness:
Unilateral arm weakness is not typically associated with Bell's palsy, which specifically affects the facial muscles due to nerve damage. While weakness can occur in other parts of the body due to neurological conditions, it is not a characteristic symptom of Bell’s palsy, which is primarily a cranial nerve issue. Therefore, arm weakness would prompt consideration of other potential neurological causes.
C) Alopecia:
Alopecia, or hair loss, is not a common symptom of Bell's palsy. Although it can be seen in many different conditions, it is not typically linked with Bell's palsy, which is a disorder of the facial nerve. Bell’s palsy affects facial muscles, leading to symptoms like drooping or inability to close the eye, but it does not directly cause hair loss.
D) Difficulty swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can occur in Bell's palsy, especially if the facial nerve affects the ability to control the muscles involved in swallowing. This may lead to difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking clearly. While not always severe, dysphagia is a potential complication due to the involvement of the facial nerve, which controls facial muscles essential for these functions.
E) Inability to close the affected eye:
The inability to close the affected eye is a common symptom of Bell's palsy due to paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is controlled by the facial nerve. This can lead to dryness or irritation of the eye and a risk for corneal damage if the eye is not properly closed or protected. This inability to close the eye is one of the hallmark features of Bell's palsy.
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