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."
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Furnish restraints at the bedside: Restraints are not indicated for clients with seizure disorders. In fact, restraints can increase the risk of injury during a seizure and should be avoided.
B. Keep an oxygen setup at the bedside: Oxygen may be necessary to support the client's respiratory function during and after a seizure. Having an oxygen setup readily available can ensure prompt administration if needed.
C. Place the bed in the lowest position: Lowering the bed can help prevent injury if the client
falls out of bed during a seizure. However, it is not always feasible or necessary to lower the bed to the lowest position, especially if the client has mobility limitations or other considerations.
D. Provide a suction setup at the bedside: Suctioning may be necessary to clear the airway and prevent aspiration if the client experiences excessive oral secretions or vomiting during or after a seizure.
E. Elevate the side rails near the head when the client is in bed: Elevating the side rails near the head can help prevent injury if the client thrashes or moves unpredictably during a seizure. However, it is essential to ensure that the client's head and neck remain adequately supported and that the side rails do not restrict access to the client during a seizure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Confusion: While confusion may occur in some neurological conditions, it is not directly associated with a positive Romberg test result.
B. Aphasia: Aphasia refers to difficulty with language and communication and is typically associated with brain injury or stroke, not with a positive Romberg test result.
C. Pain: Pain is not directly assessed by the Romberg test. However, a positive Romberg test result may indicate sensory ataxia, which can contribute to difficulty with proprioception and coordination, potentially leading to increased risk of injury and pain.
D. Falls: A positive Romberg test result indicates impaired proprioception and balance,
increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults or individuals with neurological conditions. This is the expected problem associated with a positive Romberg test result.
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