A client is experiencing sudden-onset severe pain in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen that is rated as a 10 on a pain scale of 0-10. The client is also experiencing nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. Based on this data, the nurse concludes that the client is experiencing which of the following?

Chronic pain

Intractable pain

Acute pain

End-of-life pain

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Chronic pain: Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, often longer than three months, and is usually associated with conditions that are ongoing or recurring. The client’s symptoms, including sudden-onset severe pain and accompanying acute symptoms like nausea and vomiting, do not align with the characteristics of chronic pain.

B) Intractable pain: Intractable pain refers to pain that is resistant to treatment and does not respond well to analgesics or other interventions. While the client's pain is severe, the sudden onset and associated symptoms suggest a specific acute process rather than a pain condition that is inherently resistant to treatment.

C) Acute pain: Acute pain is characterized by its sudden onset and typically corresponds to a specific injury or condition, often with accompanying physiological responses such as nausea and restlessness. The client’s severe pain rating of 10, along with nausea and vomiting, strongly indicates that they are experiencing acute pain, likely related to an underlying acute abdominal condition.

D) End-of-life pain: End-of-life pain usually occurs in patients with terminal illnesses and is often managed with palliative care strategies. The client’s sudden onset of severe pain and accompanying symptoms indicate a different situation, likely not related to a terminal condition.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Interrupt with frequent questions: While older adults may have questions, they typically do not interrupt frequently. This behavior is more indicative of anxiety or agitation rather than a cognitive change associated with aging.

B) Answer slowly and be confused: While some older adults may exhibit slower responses, confusion is not a normal cognitive change associated with aging. Confusion may suggest underlying issues such as delirium or dementia, rather than typical age-related cognitive changes.

C) Withdraw from strangers: Social withdrawal can occur in some older adults, but it is not a universal expectation. Many older adults remain engaged and sociable, and withdrawal is more commonly associated with mental health issues rather than cognitive changes.

D) Take longer to respond and react: It is common for older adults to take longer to process information and respond due to normal cognitive slowing. This may reflect changes in processing speed rather than a decline in cognitive function, and it is an expected part of aging.

A. Inflammation of the lamina of the involved vertebra B. Shifting of two adjacent vertebrae out of alignment C. Increased pressure of cerebral spinal fluid within the vertebral column D. Compression of the spinal cord by the extruding disc

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Inflammation of the lamina of the involved vertebra: While inflammation can contribute to pain, it is not the primary cause in the context of a herniated disc. The pain associated with a herniated disc is typically related to nerve compression rather than inflammation of the lamina itself.

B) Shifting of two adjacent vertebrae out of alignment: This describes a different condition, such as spondylolisthesis. A herniated disc primarily involves the displacement of disc material, rather than a significant misalignment of the vertebrae.
C) Increased pressure of cerebral spinal fluid within the vertebral column: Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure is not typically associated with herniated discs and does not directly cause the pain related to this condition.

D) Compression of the spinal cord by the extruding disc: This is the most accurate explanation for the patient's pain. A cervical herniated disc can protrude and compress nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, leading to significant pain, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. This compression is the primary cause of pain in patients with this diagnosis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Based on an understanding of the cognitive changes that normally occur with aging. what would the nurse expect a newly hospitalized older adult to do?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient who is diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc complains of pain. The nurse concludes that the patient's pain is caused by which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is beginning a health history interview. Which of the following will best guide the rest of the health history interview?

The nurse is providing care to a client who is experiencing back pain. Which of the following in the client's history is a known risk factor for disc herniation?

When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to auscultate which sounds?

The nurse is educating a group of women about breast health. Which statement by the nurse accurately reflects the current American Cancer Society breast cancer screening guidelines?

The nurse is performing an integumentary system assessment of a patient who has smoked for the last 40 years. The patient has clubbing of the fingernails. What does this finding indicate to the nurse?

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