Which neurologic finding would be considered abnormal in an 88-year-old patient?

Dizziness and problems with balance

Slow papillary response to light

Jerky eye movements

Absence of the Achilles tendon jerk

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Dizziness and problems with balance

While dizziness and problems with balance can occur more frequently in older adults due to age-related changes in the vestibular system and other factors, persistent or severe dizziness or balance issues should be evaluated further as they could indicate underlying neurological or medical conditions.

B. Slow papillary response to light

This finding may be considered abnormal, especially if it represents a significant change from the individual's baseline. While age-related changes in pupil function can occur, a slow or sluggish pupillary response to light may indicate dysfunction of the oculomotor nerve or other neurological issues and should be investigated further.

C. Jerky eye movements

Jerky eye movements, such as nystagmus, can be abnormal and may indicate dysfunction of the vestibular system or other neurological conditions. While some degree of nystagmus can occur with age, persistent or severe jerky eye movements should be evaluated further.

D. Absence of the Achilles tendon jerk

This finding may also be considered abnormal. The Achilles tendon reflex, tested using the deep tendon reflex (DTR) examination, can diminish with age but should not be completely absent in the absence of specific medical conditions affecting the reflex arc or spinal cord function.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A continuous seizure state in which seizures occur in rapid succession:

This describes status epilepticus, a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or continuous seizures. It is not related to the concept of an aura.

B. A sensory warning that a seizure is imminent:

This is the correct answer. An aura is a subjective sensation or symptom that acts as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur. Auras can vary widely among individuals and may include visual, auditory, olfactory, or other sensory experiences.

C. A period of sleepiness following the seizure during which arousal is difficult:

This describes the postictal state, which occurs after a seizure. During this period, the individual may experience confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty arousing from sleep. It is not specifically related to the concept of an aura.

D. A brief loss of consciousness accompanied by staring:

This describes an absence seizure, characterized by a brief loss of awareness and a blank stare. Absence seizures typically do not have an aura preceding them.

A. Fresh fish B. Cheddar cheese C. Cherries D. Chicken

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Fresh fish

Fresh fish does not contain significant amounts of tyramine. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate fresh fish from the client's diet due to its interaction with selegiline.

B. Cheddar cheese

This is the correct answer. Cheddar cheese is a high-tyramine food and should be eliminated from the client's diet when taking MAOIs. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, contain high levels of tyramine due to the fermentation process, which can increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.

C. Cherries

Cherries do not contain significant amounts of tyramine. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate cherries from the client's diet due to their interaction with selegiline.

D. Chicken

Chicken does not contain significant amounts of tyramine. Therefore, there is no need to eliminate chicken from the client's diet due to its interaction with selegiline.

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Which neurologic finding would be considered abnormal in an 88-year-old patient?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a seizure disorder and reports experiencing an aura. The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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