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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Depression is incorrect. While depression can contribute to headaches in some individuals, it is more commonly associated with migraine headaches rather than tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. People with depression may experience changes in neurotransmitter levels and alterations in pain perception, which can exacerbate migraines. However, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches are generally less strongly associated with depression as a precipitating factor compared to migraines.
Choice B Reason:
Smoking is incorrect. Smoking can be a trigger for headaches in some individuals, particularly migraines, due to the vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine and other compounds in tobacco smoke. However, smoking is not universally recognized as a common precipitating factor for tension-type headaches or cluster headaches. While individuals with cluster headaches may have higher rates of smoking compared to the general population, it is not a factor commonly shared with tension-type headaches.
Choice C Reason:
Poor posture is incorrect. Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension and cervical spine strain, which may trigger tension-type headaches. However, poor posture is not typically considered a precipitating factor specific to cluster headaches. While tension-type headaches may be exacerbated by poor posture, cluster headaches are characterized by severe, unilateral pain typically centered around the eye or temple, with associated autonomic symptoms such as tearing, nasal congestion, or ptosis.
Choice D Reason:
Stress is correct. Stress is a well-established precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches. Stress can lead to muscle tension and contraction, which are common triggers for tension-type headaches. Additionally, stress can also contribute to the onset or worsening of cluster headaches, although the exact mechanisms underlying this association are not fully understood. Therefore, stress is a common precipitating factor for both tension-type headaches and cluster headaches.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pregabalin is incorrect. Pregabalin is a medication used to treat neuropathic pain, seizures, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice B Reason:
Natalizumab is correct.: Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat relapsing forms of MS. It is associated with an increased risk of developing PML, particularly in individuals who are JC virus antibody positive. Regular monitoring of JC virus antibody status and clinical vigilance is required when using natalizumab to reduce the risk of PML.
Choice C Reason:
Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
Choice D Reason:
Metoprolol is incorrect .Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, angina, and heart failure. It is not associated with an increased risk of PML.
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