A nurse is caring for a client who is newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The client states, "I have no idea why I got this." Which of the following is the most important question the nurse should ask this client while performing the assessment?
"When did you have your last physical?"
"Do you have any family members with Parkinson's disease?"
What kind of work do you do?"
"How much coffee do you drink every day?"
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
"When did you have your last physical?": This question is relevant to assess the client's overall health status and identify any potential comorbidities or health conditions that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. However, it is not as crucial as asking about family history, which directly addresses the client's potential genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.
Choice B Reason:
"Do you have any family members with Parkinson's disease?" Parkinson's disease can have both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, having a family history of the condition is a significant risk factor. Individuals with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have Parkinson's disease have an increased risk of developing the condition themselves.
Choice C Reason:
"What kind of work do you do?": This question aims to gather information about the client's occupational history and potential exposure to environmental toxins or factors that may be associated with Parkinson's disease. Certain occupations or exposures to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or other toxins have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. While occupational history is important, it is not as directly relevant to assessing the client's risk factors as asking about family history.
Choice D Reason:
"How much coffee do you drink every day?": Research has suggested that caffeine consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease or may potentially delay its onset. However, the evidence is not definitive, and the relationship between caffeine intake and Parkinson's disease is still not fully understood. While caffeine consumption may be a relevant factor to explore, especially if the client has a high intake of coffee, it is not as critical as inquiring about family history, which directly addresses genetic predisposition to Parkinson's disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury is correct. This is a characteristic finding of a complete spinal cord injury, where there is total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This pattern is often seen in injuries involving the cervical spinal cord, such as at the level of C7.
Choice B Reason:
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding would be more indicative of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained movement below the level of injury.
Choice C Reason:
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is not typically associated with a spinal cord injury at the level of C7. With a transection of the spinal cord at this level, there is typically complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
Choice D Reason:
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is more consistent with an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there may be partial preservation of sensory function but no motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained sensation below the level of injury.
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