NCLEX Chronic Illness Practice Questions Related

Review NCLEX Chronic Illness Practice Questions related questions and content

After percutaneous cervical cordotomy:

  • A. Ptosis and miosis occur on same side as the thermal lesion.
  • B. Temporary reduced power in the arm or leg occur on the same side as the thermal lesion.
  • C. Patients are likely to stay in hospital until retitration of opioid medication is complete.
  • D. Immediately after successful cervical cordotomy, the pretreatment dose of opioid is likely to be reduced by 10%.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Post-percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC), outcomes relate to its C1-C2 approach. Ptosis and miosis (Horner's syndrome) occur ipsilateral to the lesion from sympathetic chain disruption common but often transient. Weakness, if any, affects the contralateral side due to corticospinal tract proximity, not ipsilateral, and is rare with modern precision. Hospital stay varies; opioid retitration may occur outpatient unless complications arise. Successful PCC reduces opioid needs by >50% often, not just 10%, due to effective pain relief. Neuropathic pain can emerge from tract damage. Horner's syndrome's ipsilateral presentation is a hallmark, reflecting local anatomy and PCC's occasional sympathetic impact, typically self-limiting.