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 Reason:
Hyponatremia is incorrect. Hyponatremia refers to low sodium levels in the blood and is not typically associated with degenerative disc disease. This finding is unrelated to the pathophysiology of DDD.
Choice B Reason:
Paresthesia is correct. Yes, paresthesia, which refers to abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, can develop with degenerative disc disease. Nerve compression or irritation due to disc degeneration can lead to paresthesia in the affected area, typically radiating along the nerve pathway.
Choice B Reason:
Foot drop is correct. Yes, foot drop can develop with degenerative disc disease, especially if the condition leads to nerve compression or damage in the lumbar spine (lower back). Foot drop refers to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in dorsiflexion.
Choice D Reason:
Intermittent pain is correct. Yes, intermittent pain is a hallmark symptom of degenerative disc disease. Pain may vary in intensity and may worsen with certain movements or activities. Individuals with DDD may experience episodes of acute pain, as well as chronic, persistent discomfort.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Antibiotics are seldom prescribed," is not an appropriate response as it does not address the client's concern about the cost of medication and may also be inaccurate depending on the specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
Choice B Reason:
"Maybe you can borrow some money to get the medicine," may not be feasible for the client and can also be perceived as insensitive or dismissive of their financial situation.
Choice C Reason:
"Your health care provider may be able to give you free samples. “offers a compassionate and practical solution to the client's concern about the cost of medication. Many healthcare providers have access to free medication samples provided by pharmaceutical companies, which they can offer to patients who have financial difficulties.
Choice D Reason:
"Where did your money go this month?" is judgmental and inappropriate. It may make the client feel ashamed or defensive about their financial situation, which is not conducive to a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Additionally, the client's financial decisions are not relevant to their need for medical treatment.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Easily getting back to sleep after awakening is incorrect. This is not typically a manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, individuals with OSA often experience fragmented sleep due to frequent awakenings caused by apnea episodes.
Choice B Reason:
Many episodes of apnea per night is correct. Yes, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience many episodes of apnea (complete cessation of breathing) or hypopnea (partial obstruction of airflow) per night. These episodes can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
Choice C Reason:
Loud snort after breathing cessation is correct. This is a characteristic manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with OSA often make choking, snorting, or gasping sounds after a period of breathing cessation as they attempt to resume breathing.
Choice D Reason:
10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation is correct. Yes, breathing cessation episodes in obstructive sleep apnea typically last for 10 seconds or longer. These prolonged episodes of apnea contribute to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep.
Choice E Reason:
Daytime sleepiness is correct. Yes, daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep patterns and frequent awakenings during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
Choice F Reason:
Frequent, loud snoring is correct. Yes, frequent, loud snoring is a hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring occurs due to the partial obstruction of airflow in the upper airway during sleep.
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