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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pregabalin is incorrect. Pregabalin is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain, seizures, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice B Reason:
Natalizumab is correct.: Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of MS. It is associated with an increased risk of developing PML, particularly in individuals who are JC virus antibody positive. Regular monitoring of JC virus antibody status and clinical vigilance is required when using natalizumab to reduce the risk of PML.
Choice C Reason:
Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice D Reason:
Metoprolol is incorrect .Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Easily getting back to sleep after awakening is incorrect. This is not typically a manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, individuals with OSA often experience fragmented sleep due to frequent awakenings caused by apnea episodes.
Choice B Reason:
Many episodes of apnea per night is correct. Yes, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience many episodes of apnea (complete cessation of breathing) or hypopnea (partial obstruction of airflow) per night. These episodes can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
Choice C Reason:
Loud snort after breathing cessation is correct. This is a characteristic manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with OSA often make choking, snorting, or gasping sounds after a period of breathing cessation as they attempt to resume breathing.
Choice D Reason:
10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation is correct. Yes, breathing cessation episodes in obstructive sleep apnea typically last for 10 seconds or longer. These prolonged episodes of apnea contribute to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep.
Choice E Reason:
Daytime sleepiness is correct. Yes, daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep patterns and frequent awakenings during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
Choice F Reason:
Frequent, loud snoring is correct. Yes, frequent, loud snoring is a hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring occurs due to the partial obstruction of airflow in the upper airway during sleep.
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