Nokea
A patient is receiving ongoing nursing care for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. When assessing this patient's gait, what finding is most closely associated with this health problem?
- A. Spastic hemiparesis gait
- B. Shuffling gait
- C. Rapid gait
- D. Steppage gait
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A variety of neurologic conditions are associated with abnormal gaits, such as a spastic hemiparesis gait (stroke), steppage gait (lower motor neuron disease), and shuffling gait (Parkinson's disease). A rapid gait is not associated with Parkinson's disease.
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The results of a nurse's musculoskeletal examination show an increase in the lumbar curvature of the spine. The nurse should recognize the presence of what health problem?
- A. Osteoporosis
- B. Kyphosis
- C. Lordosis
- D. Scoliosis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse documents the spinal abnormality as lordosis. Lordosis is an increase in lumbar curvature of the spine. Kyphosis is an increase in the convex curvature of the spine. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. Osteoporosis is the significant loss of bone mass and strength with an increased risk for fracture.
A nurse is performing a musculoskeletal assessment of a patient with arthritis. During passive range-of-motion exercises, the nurse hears an audible grating sound. The nurse should document the presence of which of the following?
- A. Fasciculations
- B. Clonus
- C. Effusion
- D. Crepitus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crepitus is a grating, crackling sound or sensation that occurs as the irregular joint surfaces move across one another, as in arthritic conditions. Fasciculations are involuntary twitching of muscle fiber groups. Clonus is the rhythmic contractions of a muscle. Effusion is the collection of excessive fluid within the capsule of a joint.
A nurse is taking a health history on a new patient who has been experiencing unexplained paresthesia. What question should guide the nurse's assessment of the patient's altered sensations?
- A. How does the strength in the affected extremity compare to the strength in the unaffected extremity?
- B. Does the color in the affected extremity match the color in the unaffected extremity?
- C. How does the feeling in the affected extremity compare with the feeling in the unaffected extremity?
- D. Does the patient have a family history of paresthesia or other forms of altered sensation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Questions that the nurse should ask regarding altered sensations include How does this feeling compare to sensation in the unaffected extremity? Asking questions about strength and color are not relevant and a family history is unlikely.
A patient has been experiencing an unexplained decline in knee function and has consequently been scheduled for arthrography. The nurse should teach the patient about what process?
- A. Injection of a contrast agent into the knee joint prior to ROM exercises
- B. Aspiration of synovial fluid for serologic testing
- C. Injection of corticosteroids into the patient's knee joint to facilitate ROM
- D. Replacement of the patient's synovial fluid with a synthetic substitute
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During arthrography, a radiopaque contrast agent or air is injected into the joint cavity to visualize the joint structures such as the ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and joint capsule. The joint is put through its range of motion to distribute the contrast agent while a series of x-rays are obtained. Synovial fluid is not aspirated or replaced and corticosteroids are not administered.
A patient has had a cast placed for the treatment of a humeral fracture. The nurse's most recent assessment shows signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
- A. Arrange for a STAT assessment of the patient's serum calcium levels.
- B. Perform active range of motion exercises.
- C. Assess the patient's joint function symmetrically.
- D. Contact the primary care provider immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This major neurovascular problem is caused by pressure within a muscle compartment that increases to such an extent that microcirculation diminishes, leading to nerve and muscle anoxia and necrosis. Function can be permanently lost if the anoxic situation continues for longer than 6 hours. Therefore, immediate medical care is a priority over further nursing assessment. Assessment of calcium levels is unnecessary.