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A patient with Parkinsons disease is experiencing episodes of constipation that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The patient states that he has been achieving relief for the past few weeks by using OTC laxatives. How should the nurse respond?
- A. Its important to drink plenty of fluids while youre taking laxatives.
- B. Make sure that you supplement your laxatives with a nutritious diet.
- C. Lets explore other options, because laxatives can have side effects and create dependency.
- D. You should ideally be using herbal remedies rather than medications to promote bowel function.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Laxatives risk dependency and side effects in Parkinson's patients. Exploring alternatives like diet or positioning is safer than fluids, nutrition alone, or herbal remedies.
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A patient with a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is overwhelmed by his diagnosis and the known complications of the disease. How can the patient best make known his wishes for care as his disease progresses?
- A. Prepare an advance directive.
- B. Designate a most responsible physician (MRP) early in the course of the disease.
- C. Collaborate with representatives from the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association.
- D. Ensure that witnesses are present when he provides instruction.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An advance directive legally documents care wishes for ALS progression. Other options lack legal binding or specificity.
The nurse is caring for a boy who has muscular dystrophy. When planning assistance with the patients ADLs, what goal should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Promoting the patients recovery from the disease
- B. Maximizing the patients level of function
- C. Ensuring the patients adherence to treatment
- D. Fostering the familys participation in care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscular dystrophy is incurable, so maximizing function through ADLs is the priority. Family participation and adherence support this goal but are secondary.
A family member of a patient diagnosed with Huntington disease calls you at the clinic. She is requesting help from the Huntingtons Disease Society of America. What kind of help can this patient and family receive from this organization? Select all that apply.
- A. Information about this disease
- B. Referrals
- C. Public education
- D. Individual assessments
- E. Appraisals of research studies
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The Huntington's Disease Society of America provides information, referrals, and public education. It does not offer individual assessments or research appraisals.
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.
A patient has been admitted to the neurologic unit for the treatment of a newly diagnosed brain tumor. The patient has just exhibited seizure activity for the first time. What is the nurses priority response to this event?
- A. Identify the triggers that precipitated the seizure.
- B. Implement precautions to ensure the patients safety.
- C. Teach the patients family about the relationship between brain tumors and seizure activity.
- D. Ensure that the patient is housed in a private room.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Safety during a seizure is the priority to prevent injury. Education, trigger identification, and room assignment are secondary actions.