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","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Epithelial cells is correct. Epithelial cells lining the airways play a role in initiating the inflammatory response in asthma by releasing cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. These cells can contribute to the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines seen in status asthmaticus.
Choice B Reason:
OT lymphocytes is incorrect. There is no specific cell type known as "OT lymphocytes." It's possible this may refer to T lymphocytes (T cells), which are involved in the immune response in asthma but are not typically associated with a circulatory surge in status asthmaticus.
Choice C Reason:
Hyperreactivity is incorrect. Hyperreactivity refers to the exaggerated response of the airways to various stimuli, leading to bronchoconstriction and inflammation. While hyperreactivity is a characteristic feature of asthma, it does not directly contribute to a circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines.
Choice D Reason:
Mast cells is correct. Mast cells are key players in the pathophysiology of asthma. They release various inflammatory mediators, including histamine and leukotrienes, which contribute to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus production. Mast cells can participate in the circulatory surge of inflammatory cells and cytokines in status asthmaticus.
Choice E Reason:
Inflammation is correct. Inflammation is a hallmark feature of asthma and plays a central role in the pathogenesis of status asthmaticus. The inflammatory response involves the recruitment and activation of various inflammatory cells, release of cytokines, and other mediators that contribute to airway obstruction and systemic effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is false. This subtype of MS is characterized by a gradual worsening of symptoms from the onset of the disease, without distinct relapses or remissions. It typically leads to a progressive accumulation of disability over time, without periods of remission. The pattern described by the client, with alternating periods of active symptoms and symptom-free periods, does not align with the continuous progression seen in PPMS.
Choice B Reason:
Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is true. RRMS is characterized by distinct relapses, during which new symptoms may appear or existing symptoms may worsen, followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions), during which the symptoms improve or may even disappear entirely. This pattern matches the description provided by the client, indicating RRMS as the likely subtype.
Choice C Reason:
Clinically isolating syndrome (CIS) is false. CIS refers to a single episode of neurological symptoms caused by inflammation or demyelination in the central nervous system, which may or may not progress to MS. However, CIS does not involve the characteristic pattern of relapses and remissions seen in RRMS.
Choice D Reason:
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is false. SPMS is characterized by a gradual worsening of symptoms and disability over time, following an initial period of relapsing-remitting disease. It may or may not involve distinct relapses and remissions, depending on the individual's disease course. While SPMS can involve periods of symptom exacerbation, it typically lacks the clear pattern of relapses followed by remissions seen in RRMS.
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