The nurse observes increased eye blinking and lip smacking in a client who has a history of absence seizures.
The nurse is aware these symptoms indicate:
Automatisms associated with this type of seizure.
The client may have been exposed to a neurotoxin.
An electrolyte imbalance, likely hyponatremia.
A reversible adverse effect of anticonvulsant drugs.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Automatisms, such as eye blinking and lip smacking, are repetitive, involuntary movements commonly associated with absence seizures. They occur due to brief interruptions in consciousness during seizure activity without major motor involvement.
Choice B rationale
Neurotoxin exposure typically presents with symptoms like weakness, ataxia, and autonomic dysfunction. Increased eye blinking and lip smacking are not specific to neurotoxin-related neurological damage or poisoning.
Choice C rationale
Hyponatremia causes confusion, lethargy, and muscle cramps due to electrolyte disturbance affecting cellular function, but it does not cause specific automatisms like eye blinking or lip smacking in seizure-related conditions.
Choice D rationale
Reversible adverse effects of anticonvulsants often include sedation or cognitive slowing. Automatisms such as blinking and smacking are not typically linked to the pharmacological effects of anticonvulsants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Brown-Sequard injury results in ipsilateral motor function loss due to corticospinal tract damage and contralateral pain/temperature loss from spinothalamic tract disruption, characteristic of this hemisection spinal cord injury.
Choice B rationale
Central cord injury affects cervical spine and hand function but does not exhibit hemisection symptoms like ipsilateral motor loss or contralateral sensory loss. Symptoms vary and commonly include upper limb weakness.
Choice C rationale
Posterior cord injury primarily impacts dorsal column function, resulting in loss of proprioception and vibration sense. Motor and pain/temperature functions are preserved, unlike in Brown-Sequard injury.
Choice D rationale
Anterior cord injury involves ischemic damage to the anterior spinal artery, leading to motor paralysis and pain/temperature loss bilaterally, not ipsilateral and contralateral as described in the question.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Stabilizing the cervical spine prevents further spinal injury in case of vertebral damage, which is a priority when managing trauma patients until specialized medical care becomes available.
Choice B rationale
While controlling bleeding is essential, it is secondary to stabilizing the cervical spine since the airway and neurological protection take precedence in trauma protocols.
Choice C rationale
The head tilt chin lift method should not be used if cervical spine injury is suspected, as it may exacerbate potential damage to the vertebrae or spinal cord.
Choice D rationale
While not moving the victim is critical, stabilization of the cervical spine is the primary intervention to prevent further injury before emergency assistance arrives.
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