The nurse has just received a report on a group of clients on the neurosurgical unit. Which client is the nurse’s first priority?

Client who displays plantar flexion when the bottom of the foot is stroked.

Client who consistently demonstrates decortication when stimulated.

Client whose Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) has changed from 15 to 12.

Client whose deep tendon reflexes have become hyperactive.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:

The client who displays plantar flexion when the bottom of the foot is stroked is exhibiting a normal reflex response known as the plantar reflex. This response indicates that the corticospinal tract is functioning properly. In adults, the normal response is plantar flexion of the toes, which means the toes curl downward. This is not an immediate cause for concern and does not indicate a life-threatening condition.

Choice B Reason:

The client who consistently demonstrates decortication when stimulated is showing signs of severe brain injury. Decorticate posturing is characterized by the arms being flexed at the elbows and held tightly to the chest, with the legs extended and feet turned inward. This type of posturing indicates damage to the cerebral hemispheres, thalamus, or midbrain. While this is a serious condition, it is not necessarily the most immediate priority compared to a sudden change in the Glasgow Coma Scale.

Choice C Reason:

The client whose Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) has changed from 15 to 12 is the nurse’s first priority. The GCS is a critical tool used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness, with scores ranging from 3 (deep coma) to 15 (fully awake and alert). A drop in GCS score indicates a significant decline in neurological function, which could be due to increased intracranial pressure, bleeding, or other acute changes in the brain. This requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration.

Choice D Reason:

The client whose deep tendon reflexes have become hyperactive is showing signs of hyperreflexia. Hyperactive reflexes can indicate an upper motor neuron lesion, which affects the descending corticospinal tract. While this is a concerning sign that warrants further investigation, it is not as immediately critical as a sudden change in the GCS score.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A: Ammonia

Lactulose is administered to patients with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce the levels of ammonia in the blood. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs due to the liver’s inability to detoxify ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Lactulose works by converting ammonia into ammonium, which is then excreted in the stool. This helps to lower blood ammonia levels and alleviate the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice B: Dysarthria

Dysarthria, or difficulty in articulating words, is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It results from the muscle rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) that affect the muscles involved in speech. Patients with Parkinson’s often have a soft, monotone voice and may struggle with the clarity of their speech.

Choice C: Muscle Rigidity

Muscle rigidity is one of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It refers to the stiffness and inflexibility of the muscles, which can affect any part of the body. This rigidity can lead to discomfort and pain, and it contributes to the characteristic stooped posture and shuffling gait seen in Parkinson’s patients.

Choice D: Seizures

Seizures are not typically associated with Parkinson’s disease. While Parkinson’s affects the central nervous system, it primarily impacts motor function rather than causing seizure activity. Therefore, this is not a common finding in Parkinson’s patients.

Choice E: Drooling at Times

Drooling, or sialorrhea, is a common symptom in Parkinson’s disease. It occurs due to the decreased ability to swallow saliva, which can result from muscle rigidity and bradykinesia affecting the muscles involved in swallowing. This can be particularly bothersome for patients and may require management strategies.

Choice F: Mask-like Facial Expression

A mask-like facial expression, also known as hypomimia, is a common feature of Parkinson’s disease. It results from the rigidity and bradykinesia affecting the facial muscles, leading to reduced facial expressions and a fixed, staring appearance.

Choice G: Shuffled Gait

A shuffled gait is a characteristic feature of Parkinson’s disease. Patients often take small, shuffling steps and may have difficulty initiating movement. This gait pattern is due to the combination of muscle rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Choice H: Stooped Posture

Stooped posture is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. It results from the muscle rigidity and postural instability that affect the patient’s ability to maintain an upright position. This can lead to a forward-leaning posture and balance issues.

A. Assess the client’s gag reflex before giving any food or water. B. Provide the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water. C. Contact the primary healthcare provider and get the appropriate orders. D. Let the client have a small sip to evaluate the ability to swallow.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Assessing the client’s gag reflex before giving any food or water is crucial after a bronchoscopy. The procedure involves the use of local anesthesia to numb the throat, which can impair the gag reflex and increase the risk of aspiration. Ensuring that the gag reflex has returned before allowing the client to eat or drink helps prevent choking and aspiration, which are serious complications.

Choice B Reason:

Providing the client with ice chips instead of a drink of water is not the best initial action. While ice chips may seem like a safer option, they still pose a risk of aspiration if the gag reflex has not fully returned. The priority is to first assess the gag reflex to ensure the client can safely swallow.

Choice C Reason:

Contacting the primary healthcare provider and getting the appropriate orders is not necessary as the first action. The nurse can independently assess the gag reflex, which is a standard nursing practice after procedures involving throat anesthesia. If there are concerns after the assessment, then contacting the healthcare provider would be appropriate.

Choice D Reason:

Letting the client have a small sip to evaluate the ability to swallow is not safe without first assessing the gag reflex. This approach could lead to aspiration if the gag reflex has not returned. The initial step should always be to assess the gag reflex to ensure the client can safely swallow liquids.

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The nurse has just received a report on a group of clients on the neurosurgical unit. Which client is the nurse’s first priority?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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