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","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Metoprolol is incorrect. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and heart failure. However, in the context of neurogenic shock following a spinal cord injury, the use of beta-blockers such as metoprolol is generally contraindicated. Beta-blockers antagonize the effects of sympathetic activation, leading to a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contractility, which can exacerbate hypotension and bradycardia, the hallmarks of neurogenic shock. Therefore, the nurse would not anticipate a prescription for metoprolol in the management of neurogenic shock.
Choice B Reason:
Lactated Ringers intravenous fluid is correct. Fluid resuscitation with isotonic crystalloid solutions such as lactated Ringers is essential to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion.
Choice C Reason:
Furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a loop diuretic medication commonly used to treat conditions such as heart failure, edema, and hypertension by promoting diuresis and reducing fluid volume. However, in the context of neurogenic shock, the use of diuretics such as furosemide is generally not indicated unless there is concurrent volume overload. Neurogenic shock is characterized by hypotension due to vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance, often leading to relative hypovolemia rather than volume overload. Therefore, administering furosemide could further decrease intravascular volume, exacerbating hypotension and compromising perfusion. As a result, the nurse would not anticipate a prescription for furosemide in the management of neurogenic shock.:
Choice D Reason:
Dopamine is correct. Dopamine is a vasopressor medication that acts to increase vascular tone and blood pressure by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors. It is commonly used in the management of neurogenic shock to augment blood pressure.
Choice E Reason:
Epinephrine is correct. Epinephrine is a potent vasopressor that acts on both alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output. It is used in the treatment of refractory hypotension in neurogenic shock.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Asthma flare-ups during exercise is correct . Exercise-induced asthma is a common feature of nonallergic asthma. Physical activity can trigger bronchoconstriction and asthma symptoms in individuals with this type of asthma.
Choice B Reason:
Nasal inflammation is incorrect. Nasal inflammation is not typically a characteristic feature of nonallergic asthma. While nasal symptoms such as congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and sneezing are common in allergic asthma due to the involvement of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), they are not typically prominent in nonallergic asthma. Nonallergic asthma primarily affects the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) rather than the upper airways (nose and throat). Therefore, nasal inflammation is not commonly associated with nonallergic asthma.
Choice C Reason:
No hypersensitivity to allergens is correct. Unlike allergic asthma, where exposure to allergens triggers asthma symptoms, individuals with nonallergic asthma do not have a hypersensitivity to allergens.
Choice D Reason:
Asthma flare-ups with NSAID administration is correct. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals with nonallergic asthma.
Choice E Reason:
Persistence of manifestations is correct. Nonallergic asthma tends to have persistent symptoms even in the absence of allergen exposure. Symptoms may occur regularly and may not have a clear seasonal pattern like allergic asthma.
Choice F Reason:
Positive response to corticosteroids is correct. Corticosteroids are often effective in managing nonallergic asthma. Individuals with this type of asthma typically respond well to corticosteroid treatment as part of their asthma management plan.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today