A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease and has been diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome. Which of the following would be an expected finding with this condition?
Paralytic lleus
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg
Weakness in one or both legs
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Genetics is correct. There is evidence to suggest that genetics play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Although no single gene has been identified as the cause of MS, certain genetic variations have been associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. Having a first-degree relative with MS increases an individual's risk, although the overall genetic contribution to MS susceptibility is thought to be relatively modest.
Choice B Reason:
Environmental factors is correct. Environmental factors are believed to play a significant role in the development of multiple sclerosis, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Factors such as vitamin D deficiency, smoking, exposure to certain infections (such as Epstein-Barr virus), and geographic location (latitude) have been implicated as potential triggers for MS development.
Choice C Reason:
Upper respiratory infections is incorrect. While infections may trigger exacerbations or relapses in individuals with existing multiple sclerosis, there is limited evidence to suggest that upper respiratory infections contribute directly to the development of MS. However, some research suggests that viral infections, particularly those occurring during childhood or adolescence, may influence the risk of developing MS later in life.
Choice D Reason:
Autoimmune factors is correct. Multiple sclerosis is widely recognized as an autoimmune disease, characterized by immune-mediated inflammation and damage to the central nervous system. In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to demyelination and neurological dysfunction. Autoimmune factors are therefore considered central to the pathogenesis of MS.
Choice E Reason:
Urinary tract infections is incorrect. While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis due to bladder dysfunction associated with the disease, there is no direct evidence to suggest that UTIs contribute to the development of MS.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Muscle strength is correct. Assessing muscle strength is essential to determine if there are any neurological deficits or weakness that could indicate a neurological condition or injury. Sudden falls can be indicative of various neurological issues, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Assessing muscle strength helps identify any motor impairments or weakness that could contribute to the fall.
Choice B Reason:
Facial symmetry is correct. Assessing facial symmetry is crucial to identify any signs of facial droop, which could indicate a neurological deficit such as a stroke or Bell's palsy. Facial asymmetry may suggest damage to the facial nerve or other neurological issues.
Choice C Reason:
Peripheral pulses is incorrect. While assessing peripheral pulses is important for evaluating circulation, it may not be the priority assessment in this scenario where the client has suddenly fallen and may be experiencing neurological symptoms. Neurological deficits, such as weakness or changes in facial symmetry, vision, or speech, are more indicative of acute neurological issues like stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which require immediate attention and intervention. In emergency situations, prioritizing assessments related to potential life-threatening conditions such as neurological deficits takes precedence over assessing peripheral pulses.
Choice D Reason:
Vision changes is correct. Assessing for vision changes is important to identify any visual disturbances or deficits that could contribute to falls or indicate underlying neurological issues such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Visual disturbances may include blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Choice E Reason:
Aphasia is incorrect. Assessing for aphasia, which is the inability to understand or express speech, is essential to identify any language deficits that could indicate a neurological condition such as a stroke. Aphasia may present as difficulty speaking, understanding language, or both.
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