A nurse is caring for a client who has spinal stenosis. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize as a risk factor for spinal stenosis?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Laminectomy
Hysterectomy
Hyperthyroidism
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is inappropriate.COPD is a chronic lung disease characterized by airflow limitation. While COPD does not directly cause spinal stenosis, some individuals with COPD may have comorbidities or risk factors, such as osteoporosis or degenerative changes in the spine, which can contribute to spinal stenosis.
Choice B Reason:
Laminectomy is appropriate. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure used to decompress the spinal cord or nerves by removing the lamina (back part of the vertebra). While a laminectomy can be a treatment option for spinal stenosis, it is not a risk factor for developing the condition.
Choice C Reason:
Hysterectomy is inappropriate. Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is not directly associated with spinal stenosis. However, certain conditions or factors leading to a hysterectomy, such as pelvic tumors or endometriosis, may indirectly contribute to spinal stenosis if they cause changes in the spine or affect posture.
Choice D Reason:
Hyperthyroidism is appropriate. Hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones, is not a known risk factor for spinal stenosis.
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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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is correct. This is a modifiable risk factor for stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of stroke. Treating and controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce the risk of stroke.
Choice B Reason:
Client's age is incorrect. While age itself is not modifiable, age is a non-modifiable risk factor for stroke. Risk of stroke increases with age, particularly in individuals over 55 years old. However, other modifiable risk factors can be addressed to reduce overall risk.
Choice C Reason:
History of sickle cell disease is incorrect. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells. While sickle cell disease increases the risk of certain complications, such as stroke in children, it is not a modifiable risk factor in the traditional sense.
Choice D Reason:
Parent who has cardiovascular disease is incorrect. While having a parent with cardiovascular disease may indicate a genetic predisposition to certain risk factors, it is not a direct modifiable risk factor for stroke. However, individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease may have increased awareness and motivation to address modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, smoking, and diabetes.
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