Nursing Process Test Bank Related

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Once admitted to hospital the physician indicates that Mr. Gubatan is a paraplegic. The family asks the nurse what that means. The nurse explains that:

  • A. Upper extremities are paralyzed
  • B. Both lower and upper extremities are
  • C. Lower extremities are paralyzed paralyzed
  • D. One side of the body is paralyzed
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C):
1. Paraplegia is a condition where both lower extremities are paralyzed.
2. The prefix "para-" means alongside or beside, indicating that both legs are affected.
3. The nurse would explain to the family that Mr. Gubatan has paralysis in his lower extremities only.
4. This aligns with the medical definition of paraplegia.

Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Upper extremities being paralyzed is not indicative of paraplegia, as paraplegia specifically refers to lower extremity paralysis.
B. Both lower and upper extremities being paralyzed is suggestive of quadriplegia, not paraplegia.
D. One side of the body being paralyzed describes hemiplegia, not paraplegia.