The nurse assessing the client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) would expect which of the following assessment findings?
Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia
Facial pain and ptosis
Diarrhea and nausea
Ecchymosis and petechiae
The Correct Answer is A
A. Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a combination of motor symptoms due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The hallmark motor symptoms include muscle rigidity (stiffness of muscles, making movement difficult) and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). These symptoms are typically present early in the disease and can lead to difficulties with daily activities such as walking, speaking, and performing fine motor tasks. These two signs are primary indicators of Parkinson's disease.
B. Facial pain and ptosis: Facial pain and ptosis (drooping eyelids) are not typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease. PD can affect facial expression (resulting in a masked face), but it does not usually cause facial pain. Ptosis is more commonly seen in conditions like Horner's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or as a side effect of medications, but it is not a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease.
C. Diarrhea and nausea: While gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation can be seen in Parkinson's disease due to autonomic dysfunction and decreased gut motility, diarrhea and nausea are not typical primary symptoms. In fact, constipation is a more common issue in PD. Nausea could result from the use of medications like levodopa, but it is not a defining feature of the disease itself.
D. Ecchymosis and petechiae: Ecchymosis (bruising) and petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin) are not characteristic of Parkinson's disease. These findings are more often associated with platelet disorders, bleeding disorders, or vascular conditions. While Parkinson's disease can involve complications like falls (which could lead to bruising), these are not direct symptoms of the disease itself. The primary symptoms involve motor and autonomic dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Notify the healthcare provider: While notifying the healthcare provider may eventually be necessary, the first priority is to ensure the client's airway is protected and they are receiving adequate ventilation. The provider can be notified after immediate interventions have been made to stabilize the patient.
B. Insert an oral airway to prevent the client from biting the tube: Inserting an oral airway may be necessary if the client is biting the endotracheal tube, but this is unlikely the first action needed in response to a low-pressure alarm. If the client is not biting the tube, this action will not address the potential causes of the low-pressure alarm, such as a disconnection, leak, or circuit issue.
C. Suction the client and reset the alarm: While suctioning is an important intervention if secretions are the cause of ventilation issues, it is not the first action when the source of the low-pressure alarm is unclear. If a disconnection or leak is the issue, suctioning will not resolve the problem, and the nurse risks delaying appropriate action to address the source of the alarm. The priority is ensuring the client’s ventilation is not compromised, which is best accomplished by using a manual resuscitation bag until the problem is identified and corrected.
D. Disconnect the client from the ventilator and use a manual resuscitation bag: If the source of the low-pressure alarm cannot be identified after checking the client and the ventilator, the first priority is to ensure that the client continues to receive adequate ventilation. Disconnecting the client from the ventilator and using a manual resuscitation bag (Ambu bag) allows for immediate support of the patient's ventilation while the nurse investigates the cause of the alarm. This ensures the client's oxygenation and ventilation needs are met until the problem is resolved. It is critical to address any potential loss of positive pressure or leaks in the ventilator system promptly to avoid respiratory distress or failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) pH 7.32, PaO2 88 mmHg, PaCO2 50 mmHg, HCO3 29 mEq/L, O2 sat 94%
This result suggests respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be low (acidotic), PaCO2 would be elevated (since it reflects CO2 retention), and HCO3 would typically be elevated as a compensatory mechanism. This set of ABG values does not align with respiratory alkalosis, so it is not consistent with partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.
B) pH 7.35, PaO2 98 mmHg, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L, O2 sat 99%
This set of values suggests respiratory acidosis, as indicated by a low pH (acidosis) and high PaCO2 (carbon dioxide retention). The HCO3 value is slightly elevated in compensation for respiratory acidosis, but this is not an example of partially compensated respiratory alkalosis, so it doesn't match the question's requirement.
C) pH 7.64, PaO2 94 mmHg, PaCO2 23 mmHg, HCO3 14 mEq/L, O2 sat 88%
This result is consistent with partially compensated respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be elevated (alkalotic), PaCO2 would be low (indicating hyperventilation), and the kidneys would attempt to compensate by lowering bicarbonate (HCO3). In this case, the low PaCO2 (23 mmHg) and the low HCO3 (14 mEq/L) demonstrate partial compensation. The pH is also elevated at 7.64, which aligns with alkalosis. This is the correct answer for partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.
D) pH 7.50, PaO2 91 mmHg, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L, O2 sat 96%
This result suggests respiratory acidosis with compensation. The elevated PaCO2 (52 mmHg) indicates CO2 retention, leading to acidosis, while the slightly elevated HCO3 (30 mEq/L) shows that the kidneys are compensating for the respiratory acidosis. The pH of 7.50 is slightly alkalotic, but it is more consistent with compensation for respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis. Thus, this set of ABG values does not match the description of partially compensated respiratory alkalosis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.