The nurse is caring for a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease who is experiencing episodes of confusion. Which finding alerts the nurse that the client may be experiencing a complication?
Blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg.
Cervical spine stiffness.
Dark yellow urine.
Excessive perspiration.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect- A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is within a generally acceptable range for a person with diabetes and coronary artery disease. It may not directly indicate a complication related to the episodes of confusion. While blood pressure management is important for clients with diabetes and coronary artery disease, this particular blood pressure reading is not necessarily a significant finding in relation to the client's confusion.
B) Correct- Cervical spine stiffness or neck stiffness is a potential neurological symptom that can indicate a serious complication in a client with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. The stiffness of the neck may be a sign of meningeal irritation, which can result from various conditions including infections such as meningitis. The client's medical history includes both type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, which are risk factors for cardiovascular events, including cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). Confusion can be a symptom of a stroke, and neck stiffness can be indicative of meningeal irritation secondary to a stroke or another neurological condition.
C) Incorrect- Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration, which can be a concern for someone with diabetes. However, it is not directly related to episodes of confusion. Dehydration can cause various symptoms, but confusion is not typically associated with mild dehydration.
D) Incorrect- Excessive perspiration (diaphoresis) can occur for various reasons, including increased sympathetic nervous system activity, fever, anxiety, and physical activity. While it can be a symptom of certain complications, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or heart attack, it alone may not directly relate to the episodes of confusion in this client.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A pounding headache in a client with COPD may be a symptom of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can lead to vasodilation, resulting in headaches. In this situation, it is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure to determine if it is elevated, as this could be contributing to the headache.
Obtaining a manual blood pressure measurement allows for a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure compared to automated measurements. It is important to assess both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as elevated blood pressure can worsen headaches and have other negative effects on the client's health.
Elevating the head of the bed no higher than 30 degrees is a general measure used to improve respiratory function in clients with COPD. However, in this specific situation, it may not directly address the pounding headache. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce dyspnea and improve oxygenation, but it may not alleviate the headache caused by hypercapnia.
Affirming blood glucose levels are below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) is not the primary concern in this case. While high blood glucose levels can have various effects on the body, including headaches, the priority is to assess the client's blood pressure due to the specific context of a COPD exacerbation.
Checking for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription is not necessary in response to the client's headache. Diuretics are typically used to remove excess fluid from the body and may not directly address the underlying cause of the headache in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Anal abscesses and fistulas are more commonly associated with Crohn's disease than with ulcerative colitis. Crohn's disease can involve the entire thickness of the bowel wall and create tunnels or connections (fistulas) between different parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
B) Correct- Rectal bleeding is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, as the inflamed tissue can bleed easily.
C) Incorrect- Constipation is not a common characteristic of Crohn's disease. In fact, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can lead to a range of bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation, depending on the extent and location of inflammation.
D) Incorrect- Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Ulcerative colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing continuous areas of inflammation and ulceration. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. It often involves patches of inflammation with healthy tissue in between, and it can affect different layers of the bowel wall.
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