The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a lumbar puncture (LP). Which of the following clinical manifestations would require follow-up by the nurse before the LP?
- A. Nuchal rigidity
- B. Temperature 101° F (38.3° C)
- C. Petechial rash
- D. Restlessness
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Nuchal rigidity, fever, and petechial rash suggest meningitis, which requires urgent evaluation before LP to avoid complications.
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The nurse is caring for a client with newly prescribed sumatriptan. The nurse understands that this medication is intended to treat which condition?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Accelerated hypertension
- C. Migraine headache
- D. Angina
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sumatriptan is a triptan specifically used to treat migraine headaches by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It is not used for peripheral artery disease, hypertension, or angina.
The nurse has received a prescription for midazolam. Which of the following client findings requires follow-up with the physician prior to administering this medication?
- A. Cocaine intoxication
- B. Respiratory acidosis
- C. Tonic-clonic seizures
- D. Aggression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Midazolam, a benzodiazepine, can cause respiratory depression, which is dangerous in clients with respiratory acidosis. Tonic-clonic seizures are an indication for midazolam, while cocaine intoxication and aggression are less directly contraindicated.
The nurse is assessing a client receiving prescribed donepezil. Throughout the duration of therapy, the nurse should monitor the client's
- A. Pulse
- B. Fasting blood glucose
- C. Total cholesterol
- D. Pulse oximetry
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer's, can cause bradycardia due to increased vagal tone. Monitoring pulse is essential. Blood glucose, cholesterol, and pulse oximetry are not typically affected.
A 28-year-old woman presents to the trauma bay after being shot in the upper back. She can move the left side of her body but cannot move the right. However, she cannot feel any pain in her left. The nurse knows these symptoms suggest which type of spinal cord injury?
- A. Incomplete spinal cord injury, central cord syndrome
- B. Incomplete spinal cord injury, Brown-Sequard syndrome
- C. Complete spinal cord injury, paraplegia
- D. Incomplete spinal cord injury, anterior cord syndrome
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Brown-Sequard syndrome involves ipsilateral motor loss and contralateral sensory loss.
The nurse in the emergency department (ED) is caring for a 26-year-old female client.
Item 2 of 6
History and Physical
1702: The client reports a headache that has persisted for 48 hours. She describes the pain as constant, throbbing, and behind her left eye. She states that in the past six months, these headaches have occurred two to three times a month. The client reports visual disturbances, including flashes of light and blurred vision, often precede headaches. During the headache episodes, she experiences nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. She notes that stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods such as chocolate seem to trigger the headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide minimal relief. Her spouse reports new symptoms, stating that she became confused earlier in the day, had difficulty speaking, and had right arm weakness, all of which resolved before she arrived at the ED. Medical history of generalized anxiety and panic disorder for which she takes escitalopram 20 mg p.o. daily and buspirone 15 mg p.o. daily. Family history of ischemic stroke, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
Physical Examination
Neurological exam: Steady gait and cranial nerves grossly intact. Phonophobia.
Pupils: 3 mm and brisk with some tearing in both eyes. Sensitive to pen light.
Head and neck examination: Denies sinus pain and full cervical range of motion.
Integumentary: Skin warm to touch and pale pink in tone.
Cardiovascular: Peripheral pulses 2+ and no peripheral edema.
Respiratory: Clear lung sounds bilaterally.
Gastrointestinal: Reports persistent nausea. Normoactive bowel sounds in all quadrants. No distention.
Psych: Anxious and in moderate distress. Cooperative.
Vital Signs: Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg Heart rate: 72 bpm Respiratory rate: 16 Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C) Oxygen saturation: 98% on room air
The nurse recognizes that which of the following conditions may feature photophobia? Select all that apply.
- A. Migraine headache
- B. Guillain-Barré syndrome
- C. Meningitis
- D. Delirium
- E. Alzheimer's disease
- F. Parkinson's disease
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: Photophobia is a common symptom in migraine headaches and meningitis due to neurological sensitivity and inflammation, respectively. Guillain-Barré syndrome, delirium, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's do not typically cause photophobia.
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