Nokea
A client is being evaluated for carpal tunnel syndrome. The nurse is observed asking the client to place the backs of her hands together and flex them at the same time. Which assessment is the nurse performing?
- A. Phalen's maneuver
- B. Tinel's sign
- C. Kernig's
- D. Brudzinski's
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phalen's maneuver involves flexing the wrists with the backs of the hands together to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome, as it may reproduce symptoms. Tinel's sign involves tapping over the median nerve. Kernig's and Brudzinski's are tests for meningitis, not carpal tunnel syndrome.
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A diabetic client asks the nurse why she should use a diaphragm as a method of contraception instead of birth control pills. The best explanation for the use of a diaphragm is:
- A. A diaphragm will best prevent pregnancy because oral contraceptives are rendered ineffective by increased glucose levels.
- B. A diaphragm is a noninvasive method of contraception that will not alter the blood glucose levels.
- C. A diaphragm will provide intrauterine contraception by preventing implantation of the embryo.
- D. A diaphragm is a noninvasive method of contraception that prevents the egg from being released from the ovary.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A diaphragm does not affect blood glucose, unlike oral contraceptives, which can alter glycemic control. Oral contraceptives are not ineffective due to glucose levels, diaphragms do not prevent implantation or ovulation, and they are not intrauterine.
An adult who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with expressive aphasia has started saying some words. The client's family is quite upset because the words are mostly profanity. They tell the nurse that the client usually does not use profanity. How should the nurse respond to the family?
- A. She must be in a lot of pain to use profanity. We will assess her for pain.'
- B. Many people who have had aphasia following a stroke use profanity when speech first returns. Other words will soon follow.'
- C. It is not appropriate for her to use profanity when speaking to the nurses. We will discipline her when this happens.'
- D. She must be upset with you or us. We will try to find out what is bothering her.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Profanity in early expressive aphasia post-CVA is common due to disinhibition in damaged brain areas; reassuring the family that other words will follow is appropriate.
The nurse is assessing a client who had a left arm cast applied four hours ago. Which finding indicates that the client may have circulatory impairment?
- A. The client's nail beds blanch when the nurse applies pressure; color returns in two seconds.
- B. The client's fingers on the left hand are cold to the touch.
- C. The client complains of pain at the fracture site.
- D. The client is unable to move the fingers on the left hand.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cold fingers suggest impaired circulation in the casted arm, indicating potential compartment syndrome or vascular compromise, requiring immediate evaluation. Normal blanching, fracture pain, or immobility are less specific.
A client involved in a motor vehicle accident has a 4-inch laceration on her left lower leg. Which finding is consistent with an acute inflammatory reaction?
- A. Increased pain caused by the release of histamine
- B. Blanching of the skin proximal to the laceration
- C. A decrease in the white blood count
- D. Granulation of tissue at the edges of the laceration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Histamine release during acute inflammation causes pain and vasodilation. Blanching is not typical, white blood count increases, and granulation occurs later.
The nurse is reinforcing teaching to a client who is newly diagnosed with conversion disorder. The client begins crying and states, 'The health care provider must think I’m crazy because of my diagnosis.' What is the best response to the client?
- A. Conversion disorder is a diagnosis that acknowledges your symptoms are real, even if there isn’t a physical cause
- B. I am very sorry to hear this, but are you sure that’s what the provider meant? Maybe you misunderstood
- C. The health care provider is probably wrong. I’ll give you the information to contact my health care provider
- D. Why do you think you were diagnosed with conversion disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reassuring the client that conversion disorder validates real symptoms without a physical cause reduces stigma and clarifies the diagnosis. Other responses dismiss, question, or deflect the client’s concerns.