Nokea
A 37-year-old man is brought to the clinic by his wife because he is experiencing loss of motor function and sensation. The physician suspects the patient has a spinal cord tumor and hospitalizes him for diagnostic testing. In light of the need to diagnose spinal cord compression from a tumor, the nurse will most likely prepare the patient for what test?
- A. Anterior-posterior x-ray
- B. Ultrasound
- C. Lumbar puncture
- D. MRI
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: MRI is the most sensitive test for detecting spinal cord compression from tumors. X-rays, ultrasound, and lumbar puncture are less effective for this diagnosis.
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A patient with suspected Parkinsons disease is initially being assessed by the nurse. When is the best time to assess for the presence of a tremor?
- A. When the patient is resting
- B. When the patient is ambulating
- C. When the patient is preparing his or her meal tray to eat
- D. When the patient is participating in occupational therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Parkinson's resting tremor is most evident when extremities are motionless, disappearing with purposeful movement. Assessment during rest is optimal.
The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. The patient is having increasing problems with rising from the sitting to the standing position. What should the nurse suggest to the patient to use that will aid in getting from the sitting to the standing position as well as aid in improving bowel elimination?
- A. Use of a bedpan
- B. Use of a raised toilet seat
- C. Sitting quietly on the toilet every 2 hours
- D. Following the outlined bowel program
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A raised toilet seat aids standing and promotes bowel elimination by improving positioning. Other options do not address both issues effectively.
A patient who has been experiencing numerous episodes of unexplained headaches and vomiting has subsequently been referred for testing to rule out a brain tumor. What characteristic of the patients vomiting is most consistent with a brain tumor?
- A. The patients vomiting is accompanied by epistaxis.
- B. The patients vomiting does not relieve his nausea.
- C. The patients vomiting is unrelated to food intake.
- D. The patients emesis is blood-tinged.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Brain tumor-related vomiting is typically unrelated to food intake due to increased ICP. Epistaxis, blood-tinged emesis, or nausea relief are not characteristic.
The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with a primary brain tumor. The patient asks the nurse where his tumor came from. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. Your tumor originated from somewhere outside the CNS.
- B. Your tumor likely started out in one of your glands.
- C. Your tumor originated from cells within your brain itself.
- D. Your tumor is from nerve tissue somewhere in your body.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Primary brain tumors arise from brain cells, unlike secondary tumors from outside the CNS. Glandular or nerve tissue origins are less specific.
A patient has just been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease and the nurse is planning the patients subsequent care for the home setting. What nursing diagnosis should the nurse address when educating the patients family?
- A. Risk for infection
- B. Impaired spontaneous ventilation
- C. Unilateral neglect
- D. Risk for injury
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Parkinson's disease increases fall risk due to dyskinesia and bradykinesia, making 'risk for injury' a priority. Infection, ventilation, or neglect are not typical concerns.