A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis and reports a tightening feeling around their torso. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize this finding indicates?
Lhermitte's sign
Trigeminal neuralgia
MS hug
Paroxysmal spasms
The Correct Answer is C
A. Lhermitte's sign:
Lhermitte's sign is a neurological symptom characterized by a sensation of electric shock-like pain that radiates down the spine and into the limbs, typically triggered by flexing the neck forward. It is often described as shooting or stabbing pain and is commonly associated with lesions or damage to the cervical spinal cord. Lhermitte's sign is not associated with a tightening sensation around the torso but rather with shooting pain down the spine and limbs.
B. Trigeminal neuralgia:
Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe, shooting pain along the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face. The pain is typically triggered by activities such as chewing, speaking, or touching the face. Trigeminal neuralgia causes sudden, intense, electric shock-like pain in the face, particularly in the areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve (e.g., cheek, jaw, forehead). It is not associated with a tightening sensation around the torso.
C. MS hug:
The "MS hug" is a symptom experienced by some individuals with multiple sclerosis, characterized by a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing around the chest, abdomen, or torso. It can feel like a band tightening around the body and may be described as a constricting or girdling sensation. The MS hug is caused by spasms or tightening of the muscles surrounding the rib cage or the intercostal muscles due to damage to the nerves that control muscle function in MS.
D. Paroxysmal spasms:
Paroxysmal spasms refer to sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that occur intermittently. These spasms can affect various parts of the body and are commonly associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis. However, they typically present as brief, sudden contractions rather than a persistent tightening sensation around the torso.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Provide a suction setup at the bedside:
This is a relevant intervention as it ensures that suction equipment is readily available in case the client experiences excessive secretions or vomiting during or after a seizure. It helps maintain a clear airway and prevent aspiration.
B. Elevate the side rails when in bed:
Elevating the side rails can help ensure the client's safety during a seizure by preventing falls from the bed. It is a preventive measure to minimize the risk of injury.
C. Place a bite stick at the bedside:
Placing a bite stick at the bedside is not a recommended intervention. Bite sticks can potentially injure the patient's teeth or mouth during a seizure and are generally not recommended in current practice.
D. Keep an oxygen setup at the bedside:
This is an appropriate intervention as it ensures that oxygen is readily available in case the client experiences respiratory distress or hypoxia during or after a seizure. Oxygen therapy may be needed to support respiratory function.
E. Furnish restraints at the bedside:
Furnishing restraints at the bedside is not a recommended intervention for managing seizures. Restraints should only be used in exceptional circumstances when the client's safety or the safety of others is at risk and should be applied according to institutional policies and legal regulations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased pedal pulses:
Decreased pedal pulses are not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. Instead, they may indicate peripheral vascular disease or reduced perfusion to the lower extremities. Monitoring peripheral pulses is important for assessing circulation but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes.
B. Hypertension:
Hypertension can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. The body may respond to elevated intracranial pressure by increasing blood pressure to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. However, hypertension alone is not specific to increased ICP and can have various causes.
C. Peripheral edema:
Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. It may occur in conditions such as heart failure or renal dysfunction but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes following a craniotomy.
D. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased ICP is more likely to manifest with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and focal neurological deficits.

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