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
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is correct. This is a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of stroke. Treating and controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Choice B Reason:
Client's age is incorrect. While age itself is not modifiable, age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. Risk of stroke increases with age, particularly in individuals over 55 years old. However, other modifiable risk factors can be addressed to reduce overall risk.
Choice C Reason:
History of sickle cell disease is incorrect. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells. While sickle cell disease increases the risk of certain complications, such as stroke in children, it is not a modifiable risk factor in the traditional sense.
Choice D Reason:
Parent who has cardiovascular disease is incorrect. While having a parent with cardiovascular disease may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain risk factors, it is not a direct modifiable risk factor for stroke. However, individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease may have increased awareness and motivation to address modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I have signed up for an aerobics class three times a week." This statement is incorrect. Participating in aerobics classes three times a week may not be suitable for someone with spinal stenosis, as certain movements and high-impact activities common in aerobics classes can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of injury to the spine.
Choice B Reason:
"I ride my bicycle every day." This statement is correct. Cycling is generally considered a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for individuals with spinal stenosis, as it helps improve cardiovascular fitness without placing excessive stress on the spine. Riding a bicycle regularly may be a suitable exercise option for this client.
Choice C Reason:
"I like to jog a half a mile every day." This statement is incorrect. Jogging involves repetitive impact and can place significant stress on the spine, which may exacerbate symptoms of spinal stenosis. It is generally not recommended for individuals with spinal stenosis due to the high-impact nature of the activity.
Choice D Reason:
"I enjoy doing circuit training once a week.": Circuit training typically involves a combination of aerobic and strength-training exercises performed in rapid succession. While some components of circuit training, such as strength training, can be beneficial for individuals with spinal stenosis, the intensity and variety of exercises in circuit training may not be suitable for everyone with this condition.
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