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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Reducing the dosage of methotrexate during pregnancy is not a safe option because methotrexate is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential to cause birth defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Choice B reason:
While dietary modifications may be necessary during pregnancy, this is not specifically related to the use of methotrexate. The primary concern with methotrexate and pregnancy is the risk it poses to the developing fetus, not dietary interactions.
Choice C reason:
Breastfeeding while taking methotrexate is not recommended. Methotrexate can be excreted in breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
Choice D reason:
Methotrexate should indeed be discontinued at least 3 months prior to a planned pregnancy. This is to ensure that the drug is completely cleared from the body, as it can cause serious birth defects and other pregnancy-related complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Urinary retention is not commonly reported as an adverse effect of tamoxifen. While urinary symptoms can occur, they are not as prevalent as other side effects such as hot flashes or mood changes.
Choice B reason:
Hot flashes are a well-documented adverse effect of tamoxifen. They occur due to the antiestrogenic effects of the medication, which can mimic menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer and is known to cause several adverse effects. Based on the information provided by reliable health sources, hot flashes are a common side effect experienced by patients taking tamoxifen
Choice C reason:
Constipation is not typically listed as a common adverse effect of tamoxifen. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur, but they are more often related to nausea or vomiting rather than constipation.
Choice D reason:
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is not a recognized common adverse effect of tamoxifen. While patients may experience a range of side effects, tinnitus is not frequently associated with the use of tamoxifen.
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