A nurse is caring for a client who has a transection of the spinal cord at the level of cervical 7. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse anticipate?
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury.
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury.
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury.
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the Injury.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury is correct. This is a characteristic finding of a complete spinal cord injury, where there is total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This pattern is often seen in injuries involving the cervical spinal cord, such as at the level of C7.
Choice B Reason:
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding would be more indicative of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained movement below the level of injury.
Choice C Reason:
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is not typically associated with a spinal cord injury at the level of C7. With a transection of the spinal cord at this level, there is typically complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
Choice D Reason:
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is more consistent with an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there may be partial preservation of sensory function but no motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained sensation below the level of injury.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Photosensitivity is incorrect. Photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light, is not a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. While individuals with MS may experience visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or optic neuritis, sensitivity to light is not typically reported as a primary symptom.
Choice B Reason:
Memory issues is correct. Memory issues, including problems with short-term memory, concentration, and cognitive processing speed, are common neurological symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive impairment can affect various aspects of memory and cognitive function.
Choice C Reason:
Lhermitte's sign is correct. Lhermitte's sign is a classic neurological sign characterized by an electric shock-like sensation that radiates down the spine or into the limbs upon flexing the neck. It is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis, often associated with cervical spinal cord lesions.
Choice D Reason:
Seizures is incorrect. Seizures are not a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis. While individuals with MS may experience various neurological symptoms, seizures are not a common manifestation of the disease.
Choice E Reason:
Central vision loss is correct. Visual disturbances, including central vision loss, blurred vision, double vision, or optic neuritis, are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, is a frequent manifestation of MS that can lead to temporary or permanent central vision loss.
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