A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports shoulder pain. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a rotator cuff injury?
Inability to abduct the arm at the shoulder.
Negative drop arm test.
Alteration in the contour of the joint.
A positive Tinel's sign.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The inability to abduct the arm at the shoulder is a classic sign of a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint and aiding in various movements, including abduction. When there is a tear or significant weakness in the rotator cuff muscles, especially the supraspinatus muscle, the patient may be unable to lift the arm away from the body or may experience pain while doing so.
Choice B reason:
A negative drop arm test would actually indicate that there is no rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by asking the patient to fully abduct the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the patient can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the patient cannot control the descent of the arm, would suggest a rotator cuff tear.
Choice C reason:
While an alteration in the contour of the joint may indicate some form of shoulder pathology, it is not specific to a rotator cuff injury. Changes in the contour could be due to various conditions, including dislocation, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders.
Choice D reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, not rotator cuff injuries. It is performed by tapping over the course of a nerve to elicit a tingling sensation or pain in the distribution of the nerve. This sign is commonly associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement about eating a high fiber diet reducing the risk for developing skin cancer is misleading. While a high fiber diet has many health benefits, there is no direct evidence that it significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer prevention primarily focuses on protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding ultraviolet (UV) light sources.
Choice B reason:
Avoiding the use of tanning booths is correct advice. Tanning booths emit UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The use of tanning beds is strongly discouraged by health professionals.
Choice C reason:
Using sunscreen even on cloudy days is also correct. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and sun protection is necessary regardless of the weather to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
Choice D reason:
Checking the skin monthly for any changes is an important part of skin cancer prevention. Early detection of changes in moles or new skin growths can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for a better prognosis. This practice should be encouraged as part of routine self-care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Tennis may not be the best recommendation for someone with low back pain. The sport requires quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and starts, as well as repetitive twisting motions that can exacerbate back pain. While it provides good general exercise, the high-impact nature of tennis and the strain it puts on the back could potentially worsen the client's condition.
Choice B reason:
Canoeing involves repetitive rowing actions that can strain the lower back, especially if the individual does not use proper form. The seated position in a canoe may also put additional pressure on the lower back. Therefore, it might not be the most suitable activity for someone experiencing low back pain.
Choice C reason:
Rowing, similar to canoeing, can place stress on the lower back due to the repetitive motion and the need for strong engagement of the core muscles. If not performed with proper technique, rowing could lead to increased back pain and is not typically recommended for those with existing low back issues.
Choice D reason:
Swimming is often recommended for individuals with low back pain because it is a low-impact exercise that does not put additional stress on the spine. The buoyancy of the water supports the body, reducing the load on the back while allowing for a full range of motion. Swimming can help strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility, making it a suitable activity for managing low back pain.
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