A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition? (Select All that Apply)
Hyponatremia
Paresthesia
Foot drop
Intermittent pain
Hyperreflexia
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale
Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it is not directly linked to degenerative disc disease.
Choice B rationale
Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling or prickling, can develop with degenerative disc disease. This is due to the fact that degenerative changes can lead to nerve compression, which can cause these sensations.
Choice C rationale
Foot drop, a gait abnormality, can be a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can occur if the disease process affects the nerves that control the muscles involved in lifting the foot.
Choice D rationale
Intermittent pain is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain can vary in intensity and may be worse with certain activities or positions.
Choice E rationale
Hyperreflexia, or overactive reflexes, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions that affect the upper motor neurons.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Swelling of the optic nerve, also known as papilledema, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, it is not a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice B rationale
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a clinical tool used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness and neurological functioning. A decreasing GCS score indicates a worsening neurological condition, which could be due to increasing ICP12. Therefore, a decreasing GCS score is a direct indicator of a worsening neurological condition.
Choice C rationale
A blood pressure of 108/76 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not directly indicate a worsening neurological condition. However, drastic changes in blood pressure could potentially indicate a problem.
Choice D rationale
Changes in pupil size and shape can be a sign of increased ICP, but these changes are not specific to a worsening neurological condition. They could be due to various factors, including medication effects or damage to the cranial nerves.
Choice E rationale
A respiratory rate of 12/min is within the normal range for adults. Changes in respiratory patterns could potentially indicate a worsening neurological condition, but a rate of 12/min does not directly indicate this.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, but it is not a known risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)10111213.
Choice B rationale
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, but it is not a known risk factor for SAH10111213.
Choice C rationale
Being male is not a specific risk factor for SAH. Both men and women can be affected by this condition.
Choice D rationale
Marfan’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue. People with Marfan’s syndrome have a higher risk of developing aneurysms, including those in the brain, which can lead to SAH10111213. Cerebral edemaCerebral edema Explore
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
