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.)

Choice A Reason:

Muscle strength is correct. Assessing muscle strength is essential to determine if there are any neurological deficits or weakness that could indicate a neurological condition or injury. Sudden falls can be indicative of various neurological issues, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Assessing muscle strength helps identify any motor impairments or weakness that could contribute to the fall.

Choice B Reason:

Facial symmetry is correct. Assessing facial symmetry is crucial to identify any signs of facial droop, which could indicate a neurological deficit such as a stroke or Bell's palsy. Facial asymmetry may suggest damage to the facial nerve or other neurological issues.

Choice C Reason:

Peripheral pulses is incorrect. While assessing peripheral pulses is important for evaluating circulation, it may not be the priority assessment in this scenario where the client has suddenly fallen and may be experiencing neurological symptoms. Neurological deficits, such as weakness or changes in facial symmetry, vision, or speech, are more indicative of acute neurological issues like stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which require immediate attention and intervention. In emergency situations, prioritizing assessments related to potential life-threatening conditions such as neurological deficits takes precedence over assessing peripheral pulses.

Choice D Reason:

Vision changes is correct. Assessing for vision changes is important to identify any visual disturbances or deficits that could contribute to falls or indicate underlying neurological issues such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Visual disturbances may include blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.

Choice E Reason:

Aphasia is incorrect. Assessing for aphasia, which is the inability to understand or express speech, is essential to identify any language deficits that could indicate a neurological condition such as a stroke. Aphasia may present as difficulty speaking, understanding language, or both.

Choice A Reason:

African American clients is appropriate. Research suggests that African Americans have a lower prevalence of MS compared to White Americans, but they tend to have more severe disease progression and higher disability rates when diagnosed with MS.

Choice B Reason:

White American clients: Individuals of European descent, including White Americans, have the highest prevalence of MS, particularly those of northern European ancestry. MS is more common in populations of northern European descent compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Choice C Reason:

East Asian clients: East Asians, including individuals of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean descent, have historically had lower rates of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, MS prevalence appears to be increasing in East Asian populations, possibly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors.

Choice D Reason:

Hispanic or Latino clients: Studies suggest that the prevalence of MS is lower in Hispanic/Latino populations compared to White Americans but higher than in African Americans. However, there is considerable variation in MS prevalence among different Hispanic/Latino subgroups.

Choice E Reason:

Navajo Indian clients: Native American populations, including Navajo Indians, have been reported to have a lower prevalence of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, limited data are available on MS prevalence and incidence in specific Native American tribes, and more research is needed to fully understand the disease burden in these populations.