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","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Memory loss is correct. Memory loss can occur in individuals with PML due to damage to the white matter of the brain caused by the JC virus infection. This damage can affect cognitive function, including memory.
Choice B Reason:
Clumsiness is correct. Clumsiness or lack of coordination is a common neurological symptom of PML. It can result from damage to areas of the brain responsible for motor function and coordination.
Choice C Reason:
Tardive dyskinesia is incorrect. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face, lips, tongue, and limbs. While tardive dyskinesia can occur as a side effect of certain medications, it is not typically associated with PML.
Choice D Reason:
Seizures is correct. Seizures can occur in individuals with PML due to the involvement of the brain's white matter by the JC virus infection. Seizures may present as sudden, uncontrolled movements, altered consciousness, or other neurological symptoms.
Choice E Reason:
Vision difficulty is correct. Vision difficulties, including blurred vision, visual field deficits, and other visual disturbances, are common manifestations of PML. Damage to the optic nerves or areas of the brain involved in visual processing can result in vision difficulties.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Prothrombin time (PT) is a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot is incorrect. While PT may be part of a comprehensive evaluation in some cases, it is not typically the initial diagnostic test performed for a TIA. A TIA is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, often due to an embolus or transient blockage in a cerebral artery, rather than a primary disorder of blood clotting.
Choice B Reason:
Complete blood count (CBC) is incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) is a common laboratory test that evaluates the cellular components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While CBC can provide valuable information about hematological conditions such as anemia or thrombocytosis, it is not specific to diagnosing the cause of a TIA. TIA is primarily a vascular event related to transient ischemia in the brain rather than a disorder of blood cell counts.
Choice C Reason:
Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) is appropriate. CTA is a non-invasive imaging test that combines computed tomography (CT) scanning with contrast dye to visualize blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the brain. CTA can help identify any blockages, narrowing, or abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the brain, which may be contributing to the TIA. It provides detailed images of the blood vessels' structure and can help guide further management and treatment decisions.
Choice D Reason:
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is inappropriate. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is an imaging test that provides detailed images of the heart and major blood vessels using sound waves. While TEE may be indicated in some cases of TIA to evaluate for potential cardiac sources of emboli (blood clots), such as atrial fibrillation or cardiac valve abnormalities, it is not typically the first-line diagnostic test performed in the emergency department setting for evaluating a TIA. Initial imaging studies such as CTA or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain are usually prioritized to assess for acute changes in cerebral blood flow and potential causes of the TIA.
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