A patient is being evaluated for a possible spinal cord tumor. Which finding should the nurse recognize as requiring the most immediate action?

The patient reports chronic severe back pain.

The patient expresses anxiety about having surgery.

The patient has new-onset weakness of both legs.

The patient starts to cry and says, "I feel hopeless."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. The patient reports chronic severe back pain: Chronic severe back pain may indicate underlying spinal issues but does not necessarily require immediate action compared to acute symptoms such as new-onset weakness of both legs.

B. The patient expresses anxiety about having surgery: While addressing the patient's anxiety is important for providing holistic care, it is not the most immediate concern compared to new- onset weakness of both legs, which may indicate spinal cord compression requiring urgent
intervention.

C. The patient has new-onset weakness of both legs: New-onset weakness of both legs suggests potential spinal cord compression or neurological deficit requiring immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent further neurological damage or complications.

D. The patient starts to cry and says, "I feel hopeless": While addressing the patient's emotional needs is important, it is not the most immediate concern compared to addressing acute neurological symptoms such as new-onset weakness of both legs.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Restlessness: Restlessness is a common early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in clients with traumatic brain injury. It can result from discomfort, confusion, or agitation due to pressure on the brain.

B. Amnesia: Amnesia, or memory loss, can occur with traumatic brain injury but is not specifically indicative of increased intracranial pressure.

C. Tachycardia: Tachycardia may occur in response to various factors such as pain, stress, or fever, but it is not a specific indicator of increased intracranial pressure.

D. Hypotension: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. In fact, hypertension (high blood pressure) may be a compensatory response to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure in the setting of elevated ICP.

A. Extension of the arms B. External rotation of the lower extremities C. Pronation of the hands D. Plantar flexion of the legs

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

- A) Extension of the arms is incorrect because decorticate posturing is characterized by flexion into the body, not extension away from it.
- B) External rotation of the lower extremities is not associated with decorticate posturing, which involves movements primarily of the upper extremities.
- C) Pronation of the hands is incorrect as decorticate posturing typically involves flexion of the arms, wrists, and fingers into the chest.
- D) Plantar flexion of the legs is correct because decorticate posturing includes internal rotation and flexion of the arms and wrists, with the legs extended and feet plantar flexed.

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A patient is being evaluated for a possible spinal cord tumor. Which finding should the nurse recognize as requiring the most immediate action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a traumatic brain injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An acute care nurse receives shift report for a client who has increased intracranial pressure. The nurse is told that the client demonstrates decorticate posturing. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to observe when assessing the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse identifies a patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of herpes simplex infection as being at risk for Bell's palsy. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the patient?

A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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Which information about a patient who has a new prescription for phenytoin (Dilantin) indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before administration of the medication?

A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes when passively flexing the client's neck there is an involuntary flexion of both legs. Which of the following conditions is the client displaying?

Which prescribed intervention should the emergency department nurse implement first for a patient who is experiencing continuous tonic-clonic seizures?