A nurse is caring for a client who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The client is alert and oriented and reports a loss of consciousness immediately after the accident. Which of the following additional manifestations should the nurse assess the client for?
(Select All that Apply.)
Pupillary dilation
Persistent headache
Presence of hand tremors
Difficulty waking
Foot drop
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A Reason:
Pupillary dilation is correct. Pupillary changes can indicate neurological dysfunction following a head injury. Dilated pupils may suggest increased intracranial pressure or damage to specific brain structures.
Choice B Reason:
Persistent headache is correct .Headaches are a common symptom following a head injury. Persistent or worsening headaches can indicate ongoing neurological issues and should be monitored closely.
Choice C Reason:
Presence of hand tremors is incorrect. Hand tremors are not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. While hand tremors can occur in various conditions, such as essential tremor or Parkinson's disease, they are not typically a direct manifestation of a head injury. The primary concern immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness is assessing for signs of neurological dysfunction, such as altered level of consciousness, pupillary changes, and persistent headache. Hand tremors may be assessed in other contexts, but they are not directly related to the immediate assessment of a client following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness.
Choice D Reason:
Difficulty waking is correct. Difficulty waking or altered level of consciousness can indicate neurological impairment and may be indicative of a concussion or other brain injury.
E. Foot drop is incorrect. Foot drop refers to difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, which can cause dragging of the foot or toes along the ground while walking. While foot drop can result from various neurological conditions or injuries, it is not typically associated with loss of consciousness following a motor vehicle accident. Loss of consciousness after a motor vehicle accident is more indicative of potential head trauma or concussion, which may present with symptoms such as altered level of consciousness, headache, pupillary changes, or difficulty waking. Foot drop would be more relevant to assess in contexts related to peripheral nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or neurological conditions affecting the lower extremities. Given the scenario provided, foot drop is not a typical manifestation that the nurse would assess for immediately following a motor vehicle accident with loss of consciousness. Therefore, option E is not relevant in this scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Memory loss is correct. Memory loss can occur in individuals with PML due to damage to the white matter of the brain caused by the JC virus infection. This damage can affect cognitive function, including memory.
Choice B Reason:
Clumsiness is correct. Clumsiness or lack of coordination is a common neurological symptom of PML. It can result from damage to areas of the brain responsible for motor function and coordination.
Choice C Reason:
Tardive dyskinesia is incorrect. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face, lips, tongue, and limbs. While tardive dyskinesia can occur as a side effect of certain medications, it is not typically associated with PML.
Choice D Reason:
Seizures is correct. Seizures can occur in individuals with PML due to the involvement of the brain's white matter by the JC virus infection. Seizures may present as sudden, uncontrolled movements, altered consciousness, or other neurological symptoms.
Choice E Reason:
Vision difficulty is correct. Vision difficulties, including blurred vision, visual field deficits, and other visual disturbances, are common manifestations of PML. Damage to the optic nerves or areas of the brain involved in visual processing can result in vision difficulties.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypertension is not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. However, it may occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) due to autonomic dysreflexia, a condition characterized by an exaggerated sympathetic response to stimuli below the level of injury. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can result in complications such as stroke or seizure. However, hypertension is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice B Reason:
Bradycardia is also not typically associated with heterotopic ossifications. Like hypertension, bradycardia may occur in individuals with SCI due to autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to a sudden increase in blood pressure and a reflex bradycardia in response to the increased sympathetic outflow. However, bradycardia is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice C Reason:
Fecal impaction is a potential complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to impaired bowel function, but it is not directly related to heterotopic ossifications. SCI can disrupt normal bowel motility and result in neurogenic bowel dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as constipation, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction. However, fecal impaction is not specific to heterotopic ossifications.
Choice D Reason:
Arthralgia is correct. Heterotopic ossifications (HO) involve the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues around joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. When HO occurs around joints, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, collectively known as arthralgia. Therefore, arthralgia is a common finding associated with heterotopic ossifications in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
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