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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) is a test used to help diagnose autoimmune disorders, including RA. However, ANA is not typically used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment with aspirin in RA. Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory medication, and its effectiveness would not be directly measured by changes in ANA levels.
Choice B reason:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can detect inflammation in the body and is commonly used to assess the severity of inflammation in patients with RA. Aspirin can reduce inflammation, so a decrease in ESR can indicate the effectiveness of aspirin therapy in managing RA symptoms.
Choice C reason:
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is an antibody that can be present in the blood of people with RA. While RF can be used to help diagnose RA, it is not typically used to monitor the effectiveness of aspirin therapy. RF levels can remain elevated even when symptoms are well-controlled.
Choice D reason:
White blood cell (WBC) count is a measure of the body's immune response and can be elevated in cases of infection or inflammation. However, WBC count is not specifically used to monitor the effectiveness of aspirin therapy in RA. Aspirin's primary effect is on reducing inflammation and pain, not necessarily on altering WBC counts.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice B reason:
Sleeping on a soft mattress is not recommended for preventing low back pain. A medium-firm mattress often provides better support for the spine. A soft mattress may allow the body to sink in too deeply, causing misalignment of the spine during sleep.
Choice C reason:
Applying heat for 10 minutes every hour is not a standard recommendation for preventing low back pain. While heat therapy can help relax muscles and relieve pain, it is typically advised to apply heat for longer periods, such as 15-20 minutes, and not as frequently as every hour.
Choice D reason:
Sleeping in a side-lying position with flexed knees can help maintain the natural curve of the spine and minimize back strain. This position can also reduce pressure on the back and is often recommended for those with low back pain.
Choice E reason:
Trying padded shoe insoles can help minimize back strain by providing additional support and cushioning for the feet, which can improve alignment and reduce the impact on the back during walking or standing.
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