A 75-year-old female patient presented to the office for an annual wellness visit. During the nurse's assessment, the patient explains she has been experiencing bilateral knee pain for the past eleven months. Based on the duration of the patient's symptoms, how would the nurse categorize the patient's pain?

Acute Pain

Intermittent Pain

Chronic Pain

Idiopathic Pain

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:
Acute pain is typically sudden in onset and is usually the result of a specific injury or illness. It is characterized by its sharp quality and tends to last for a short duration, generally not longer than six months. Since the patient's knee pain has persisted for eleven months, it does not fall under the category of acute pain.
Choice B reason:
Intermittent pain is pain that comes and goes at intervals. Although the patient's pain could be intermittent, the classification based on duration would not be described as intermittent. This term refers more to the pattern of the pain rather than its chronicity or cause.
Choice C reason:
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than six months, often continuing even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed. The patient's bilateral knee pain has been present for eleven months, which exceeds the six-month threshold, thus categorizing it as chronic pain.
Choice D reason:
Idiopathic pain refers to pain that arises without a clear cause. It is not categorized based on the duration of the pain but rather on the absence of an identifiable underlying reason. Since the patient's pain has a specific duration, it is not appropriate to classify it as idiopathic without further information regarding its cause.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Facial expression is an important aspect of the general survey as it can provide clues about a patient's emotional state and possible pain. However, it is not directly related to the patient's level of consciousness. After a motor vehicle crash, assessing facial expression is crucial to identify any signs of distress, trauma, or neurological impairment.
Choice B reason:
Level of consciousness is a critical component of the general survey, especially in the context of trauma or potential neurological injury. It refers to the patient's awareness and responsiveness to the environment. Assessing the level of consciousness involves determining if the patient is awake, alert, and oriented to time, place, and person, which is essential for establishing a baseline cognitive function and detecting any changes that may indicate deterioration or improvement in their condition.
Choice C reason:
Posture, gait, motor activity, and speech are assessed to evaluate the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. While these are important in the context of a motor vehicle crash, they are not specifically related to the level of consciousness. These assessments help identify any deficits that may result from injuries sustained during the crash, such as fractures, dislocations, or neurological damage affecting movement and coordination.
Choice D reason:
The apparent state of health is a broad assessment that includes the patient's overall appearance and any signs that may indicate acute or chronic illness. In the emergency setting, this may involve observing for signs of trauma, shock, or other life-threatening conditions. While it is an essential part of the general survey, it is not specifically focused on the level of consciousness but rather on the patient's general well-being and any obvious health concerns.

A. Vertigo B. Rhinorrhea C. Fever D. Headache

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
Vertigo is a common complication associated with inner ear infections, such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis. The inner ear is responsible for balance, and when it is infected, it can lead to a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Interventions may include medications like meclizine or dimenhydrinate to alleviate symptoms, as well as safety measures to prevent falls.

Choice B Reason:
Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, is not typically a direct complication of an inner ear infection. It may be associated with upper respiratory infections that can precede or accompany an ear infection but is not a result of the inner ear infection itself.

Choice C Reason:
Fever may be present if the inner ear infection is part of a systemic infection, such as the flu or bacterial meningitis. However, fever is not a direct result of an isolated inner ear infection. If fever is present, the nurse should monitor the patient's temperature and may administer antipyretics as ordered.

Choice D Reason:
Headache can be a symptom experienced by individuals with inner ear infections due to the general discomfort and pressure changes in the ear. However, it is not as specific or as common as vertigo when it comes to inner ear infections. If headaches are present, pain management strategies can be included in the care plan.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Prior to completing the physical examination of a patient post motor vehicle crash, the ER nurse determines that the client is awake, alert, and oriented. This information would be important for which part of the general survey?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When planning care for a client with an inner ear infection, the nurse will need to include interventions for which of the following potential problems?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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