Nokea
An older client complains of a constant headache. A physical examination shows papilledema. Based on these symptoms, what condition would the nurse suspect?
- A. Epilepsy
- B. Trigeminal neuralgia
- C. Hypostatic pneumonia
- D. Brain tumor
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Headache and papilledema are symptoms of a brain tumor, although these symptoms do appear less often in the older adult. Symptoms of epilepsy include seizure activity, whereas symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia would be pain in the jaws or facial muscles. Hypostatic pneumonia develops due to immobility or prolonged bed rest in older clients. The other options are not associated with papilledema or constant headache.
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A client is about to be discharged after undergoing surgery for the treatment of a brain tumor and has a referral in place for medical and radiation oncology. Which component(s) should be included in the discharge teaching for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Medication regimen
- B. Appointments for chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- C. Adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiation and techniques for managing them
- D. Nutritional support
- E. Electromyography
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The nurse should include the medication regimen, appointments for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiation and techniques for managing them, and nutritional support as components of the discharge teaching for this client. Electromyography is used in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to validate weakness in the affected muscles and should not be included for the client being discharged after surgery for a brain tumor.
A client adopted at birth recently discovers that Huntington disease is prevalent in the biological family history. The nurse is providing education to the client about the condition. Which statement(s) should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
- A. In the early stages, people with the disease can participate in most physical activities.
- B. The disease eventually leads to hallucinations, delusions, impaired judgment, and increased intensity of abnormal movements.
- C. Disease-modifying medications for Huntington disease can decrease immune cells and infection protection.
- D. There are specific tests that can be arranged to diagnose whether or not you have the disorder.
- E. Huntington disease is familial; it is not transmitted genetically.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: In teaching the client about Huntington disease, the nurse will explain to the client that people with the disease can participate in most physical activities in the early stages, but that the disease eventually causes hallucinations, delusions, impaired judgment, and increased intensity of abnormal movements. The nurse will go on to inform the client that medications for Huntington disease can decrease immune cells and immune protection. There are no specific diagnostic tests for this disorder, and it is transmitted genetically; thus, the nurse will leave out these statements in the teaching.
The nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. Which assessment finding(s) is most important in determining nursing care for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Cloudy cerebral spinal fluid
- B. Pain and stiffness of the extremities
- C. Purpura of hands and feet
- D. Low white blood cell (WBC) count
- E. Low red blood cell (RBC) count
- F. Low antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) will be cloudy if bacterial meningitis is the causative agent. Purpura indicates a serious complication of bacterial meningitis (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is occurring and may place the client at risk for amputation of those parts. Pain and stiffness of the extremities is not indicative of meningitis. A rise in RBCs, WBCs, and ADH would be expected.
The critical care nurse is caring for a client with bacterial meningitis. The client has developed cerebral vasculitis and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). What neurologic sequelae might this client develop?
- A. Damage to the nerves that facilitate vision and hearing
- B. Damage to the vagal nerve
- C. Damage to the olfactory nerve
- D. Damage to the facial nerve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurologic sequelae in survivors include damage to the cranial nerves that facilitate vision and hearing. Sequelae to meningitis do not include damage to the vagal nerve, the olfactory nerve, or the facial nerve.
A client is receiving baclofen for management of symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. To evaluate the effectiveness of this medication, what does the nurse assess?
- A. Sleep pattern
- B. Mood and affect
- C. Appetite
- D. Muscle spasms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Baclofen is a drug used to manage symptoms of muscle spasticity and rigidity in clients diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders. Because of the effects on the CNS, initially, baclofen may cause drowsiness, but sleep is not the intended goal for this therapy. Mood and appetite are not a factor in the administration of this drug.