The nurse provides care for a client who reports burning pain, which is worse at night, in both feet. The client states the pressure of the sheets on the feet is "unbearable". Which reason is the most common cause of this type of pain?
Liver failure
Diabetes mellitus
Mercury toxicity
Vitamin B12 deficiency
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Liver failure is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the liver loses its ability to perform its vital functions, such as detoxifying the blood, producing bile, and metabolizing nutrients. Liver failure can cause symptoms such as jaundice, ascites, or bleeding, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice B reason: Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the blood glucose level is too high, either due to insufficient insulin production or reduced insulin sensitivity. Diabetes mellitus can cause damage to the nerves, especially in the peripheral areas, such as the feet, which is called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy can cause symptoms such as burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the feet, which can worsen at night or with pressure.
Choice C reason: Mercury toxicity is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body is exposed to high levels of mercury, which is a toxic metal that can be found in some fish, dental fillings, or thermometers. Mercury toxicity can cause damage to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tremors, memory loss, or mood changes, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
Choice D reason: Vitamin B12 deficiency is not the most common cause of this type of pain because it is a condition where the body does not have enough vitamin B12, which is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, or weakness, but it does not usually cause burning pain in the feet.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A sacculated aneurysm in the circle of Willis is not the most likely cause of a left-sided embolic stroke. A sacculated aneurysm is a bulging of a weak spot in the wall of an artery, which may occur in the circle of Willis, a network of arteries at the base of the brain. A sacculated aneurysm may cause a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleeding into the brain, not an embolic stroke, which is a blockage of a blood vessel by a clot.
Choice B reason: Rupture of small cerebral blood vessels is not the most likely cause of a left-sided embolic stroke. Rupture of small cerebral blood vessels may occur due to hypertension, diabetes, or aging, which may damage the integrity of the blood vessel walls. Rupture of small cerebral blood vessels may cause a hemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleeding into the brain, not an embolic stroke, which is a blockage of a blood vessel by a clot.
Choice C reason: Diffuse inflammation of the small diameter blood vessels is not the most likely cause of a left-sided embolic stroke. Diffuse inflammation of the small diameter blood vessels may occur due to vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels. Diffuse inflammation of the small diameter blood vessels may cause a thrombotic stroke, which is a formation of a clot within the blood vessel, not an embolic stroke, which is a blockage of a blood vessel by a clot that travels from another site.
Choice D reason: Migration of a clot from the left atrium of the heart is the best explanation for the most likely cause of a left-sided embolic stroke. An embolic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke, which is a lack of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage of a blood vessel by a clot. A clot may form in the left atrium of the heart due to conditions such as atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat that causes blood to pool and clot in the heart. A clot may then break off and travel through the bloodstream until it reaches a smaller blood vessel in the brain, where it causes an embolic stroke.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: "My feet swell up during the evening." is not a specific statement for systolic heart failure, but a general sign of fluid retention. Fluid retention may occur in both systolic and diastolic heart failure, as well as other conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or venous insufficiency.
Choice B reason: "It's harder to breathe during hot and humid weather." is not a specific statement for systolic heart failure, but a common complaint of many people with respiratory problems. Hot and humid weather may increase the workload of the lungs and the heart, but it does not indicate a reduced ejection fraction, which is the hallmark of systolic heart failure.
Choice C reason: "I wake up at night being short of breath." is the best statement for systolic heart failure, as it indicates a condition called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is a sudden onset of breathlessness that occurs during sleep, usually due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. It is a sign of left-sided systolic heart failure, which is a failure of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively to the body.
Choice D reason: "I have stomach pain that is worse after meals." is not a specific statement for systolic heart failure, but a possible symptom of gastrointestinal disorders. Stomach pain may be caused by gastritis, ulcers, gallstones, or pancreatitis, among other conditions. It does not reflect the cardiac function or output, which are impaired in systolic heart failure.
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