Adult Health Med Surg NCLEX Test Bank Related

Review Adult Health Med Surg NCLEX Test Bank related questions and content

The nurse is assessing a client for movement after halo traction placement for a C8 fracture. The nurse should document which of the following?

  • A. The client's shoulders shrug against downward pressure of the examiner's hands.
  • B. The client's arm pulls up from a resting position against resistance.
  • C. The client's arm straightens out from a flexed position against resistance.
  • D. The client's hand-grasp strength is equal.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A C8 fracture affects the lower cervical nerves, but shoulder shrug (trapezius, innervated by cranial nerve XI and C3-C4) should remain intact. Arm movements and hand grasp involve C5-C8 and may be impaired, making shoulder shrug the most reliable intact movement to document.