The nurse identifies a patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of herpes simplex infection as being at risk for Bell's palsy. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the patient?
"You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly."
"Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset."
"Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear."
"Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly." Regular facial exercises have not been proven to prevent Bell's palsy. In fact, excessive facial exercises could potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
B. "Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset." While early treatment with antiviral medications may be beneficial in some cases, it is not accurate to say that medications only work if started before paralysis onset. Treatment can still be effective even after the onset of symptoms, although it may not be as effective as when started early.
C. "Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear." This is important information because Bell's palsy has been associated with reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. Pain or the development of herpes lesions near the ear could indicate impending or active Bell's palsy, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
D. "Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy." While antiviral medications can reduce the risk of herpes simplex virus reactivation, there is no guarantee that prophylactic treatment will prevent Bell's palsy. However, prompt treatment of herpes outbreaks may help reduce the risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “You might benefit from some psychological counseling." While psychological counseling may be helpful for coping with the emotional impact of epilepsy, it does not directly address the patient's concern about the possibility of having a seizure at work.
B. “The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with work retraining." While
vocational rehabilitation services may be beneficial for individuals with disabilities, it may not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work as a teacher.
C. "Epilepsy usually can be well controlled with medications." This response addresses the patient's concern by providing reassurance that epilepsy can often be effectively managed with medications. By effectively controlling seizures, the patient may be able to continue working without the fear of having a seizure at work.
D. “You will want to contact the Epilepsy Foundation for assistance." While the Epilepsy Foundation provides valuable resources and support for individuals with epilepsy, this response does not directly address the patient's concern about continuing to work.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease. It is not typically assessed through neck flexion in the context of meningitis.
B. Kernig's sign: Kernig's sign is assessed by flexing the patient's hip and knee and then attempting to extend the knee. Resistance or pain during knee extension suggests meningeal irritation, but it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs.
C. Nuchal rigidity: Nuchal rigidity refers to stiffness and pain in the neck and inability to flex the neck forward due to inflammation of the meninges. While it is related to meningitis, it does not involve involuntary flexion of the legs.
D. Brudzinski's sign: Brudzinski's sign is a physical exam finding where passive flexion of the neck results in involuntary flexion of the hips and knees. It is a classic sign of meningeal irritation, often seen in meningitis.
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.