A nurse is caring for a client who is being evaluated for multiple sclerosis. Which of the following tests should the nurse anticipate the provider will order to assist with diagnosis?
Myelogram
Brain natriuretic peptide
Troponin level
Lumbar puncture
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Myelogram is not appropriate. This imaging test involves injecting contrast dye into the spinal canal to visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots. While it may help identify certain spinal cord abnormalities, it is not typically used as a primary diagnostic tool for multiple sclerosis.
Choice B Reason:
Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is not appropriate. This blood test measures the level of BNP, a hormone produced by the heart, which can be elevated in conditions such as heart failure. It is not used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Choice C Reason:
Troponin level is not appropriate. Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream during a heart attack or other heart-related conditions. This test is used to diagnose heart muscle damage and is not relevant to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Choice D Reason:
Lumbar puncture is appropriate. Also known as a spinal tap, a lumbar puncture involves collecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal canal for analysis. In the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, analysis of CSF can help identify certain abnormalities, such as an elevated level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) or the presence of oligoclonal bands, which are often indicative of inflammation in the central nervous system. Therefore, a lumbar puncture is commonly ordered to assist with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flail chest is incorrect. Flail chest is a condition characterized by multiple rib fractures, causing instability in the chest wall. While it can lead to respiratory distress, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. Instead, it impairs the mechanics of breathing by compromising chest wall integrity.
Choice B Reason:
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the alveolar walls are destroyed, leading to a loss of surface area for gas exchange. This results in areas of the lungs that are well-perfused but poorly ventilated, causing a V/Q mismatch. The damage to alveoli leads to impaired ventilation, while blood flow may still be adequate, leading to hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood).
Choice C Reason:
CHF primarily affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. However, it typically causes diffusion defects rather than a direct ventilation-perfusion mismatch. V/Q mismatch may occur secondary to pulmonary edema, but it’s not the primary mechanism of respiratory failure in CHF.
Choice D Reason:
Guillain-Barré syndrome is incorrect. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While respiratory muscle weakness can occur in GBS, it doesn't directly cause ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch. GBS primarily affects nerve function rather than lung function.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. This option aligns with current guidelines for blood pressure management following a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Tight blood pressure control is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events, such as stroke. Maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 120 and 129 mm Hg has been associated with significant risk reduction in stroke recurrence compared to higher blood pressure targets. Therefore, this option reflects the recommended approach for blood pressure management in individuals with a history of TIA.
Choice B Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg: This option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 136 to 140 mm Hg may pose an increased risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice C Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg. Similarly, this option proposes a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is higher than the recommended target for blood pressure management following a TIA. Allowing SBP to remain in the range of 141 to 145 mm Hg may not provide adequate protection against stroke recurrence compared to tighter blood pressure control.
Choice D Reason:
The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg. While this option suggests a systolic blood pressure (SBP) range that is closer to the recommended target compared to options B and C, it still falls slightly above the optimal range for blood pressure management following a TIA. Tighter blood pressure control, ideally below 130 mm Hg, is typically preferred to reduce the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events.
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