A patient is stuporous but reacts by withdrawing from painful stimuli. Which term is most appropriate for this patient?

Semicomatose

Somnolent

Lethargic

Comatose

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Semicomatose:

This term suggests a state between consciousness and coma. A patient who is semicomatose may exhibit some level of responsiveness but is typically unresponsive or only responds to intense stimuli.

B. Somnolent:

Somnolence refers to a state of drowsiness or sleepiness. A somnolent patient may appear sleepy, have difficulty staying awake, and may be slow to respond to stimuli. However, the withdrawal from painful stimuli described in the scenario suggests a higher level of responsiveness than what would typically be expected in a somnolent state.

C. Lethargic:

Lethargy describes a state of reduced alertness or responsiveness. A lethargic patient may appear drowsy, sluggish, and have diminished responses to stimuli. The description of the patient as stuporous (having a decreased level of consciousness) but still reacting by withdrawing from painful stimuli aligns with the characteristics of lethargy.

D. Comatose:

Coma refers to a state of profound unconsciousness where the patient is unresponsive to all stimuli, including painful stimuli. A comatose patient does not demonstrate any purposeful movement or response to stimuli. Since the patient in the scenario exhibits some response to painful stimuli by withdrawing, they do not meet the criteria for being comatose.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Nystagmus:

Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes, which can be rapid and jerky. It is a common neurological manifestation of phenytoin toxicity. Patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity may exhibit horizontal or vertical nystagmus, which can be detected upon physical examination.

B. Strabismus:

Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes or squint, refers to a misalignment of the eyes. While strabismus can have various causes, it is not typically associated with phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus.

C. Blurry vision:

Blurry vision, or visual disturbances, can occur in patients experiencing phenytoin toxicity. However, it is a non-specific symptom and can be observed in various other conditions as well. Patients with phenytoin toxicity may experience blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), or other visual disturbances due to the effects of the medication on the central nervous system.

D. Amblyopia:

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition characterized by reduced vision in one or both eyes. It is typically associated with visual development during childhood and is not directly related to phenytoin toxicity. Therefore, it is less likely to indicate phenytoin toxicity compared to nystagmus or other neurological manifestations.

A. "Have you had an MMR immunization?" B. "Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection?" C. "Have you traveled overseas recently?" D. "Are you taking a multivitamin?"

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Have you had an MMR immunization?"

This question is not directly relevant to the assessment of Guillain-Barré syndrome. MMR immunization history may be pertinent to other health assessments, such as immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.

B. "Have you had a recent upper respiratory infection?"

This is the correct answer. GBS often occurs after a recent upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, so asking about recent illnesses can provide valuable information for diagnosis.

C. "Have you traveled overseas recently?"

While travel history may be relevant to certain infectious diseases, it is not typically associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Therefore, this question is less pertinent in this context.

D. "Are you taking a multivitamin?"

The use of multivitamins is unlikely to be directly related to the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. While nutritional status is important for overall health, it is not a primary focus when assessing for GBS.

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A patient is stuporous but reacts by withdrawing from painful stimuli. Which term is most appropriate for this patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which condition would indicate to the nurse that the patient has a phenytoin (Dilantin) toxicity?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a possible medical diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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