A client presents to the health care clinic with a 3-day history of fever, chills, neck pain and stiffness, and headache. The nurse observes an elevated temperature of 102.5°F and pain with rotation of the head side to the side and decreased ability to flex the head forward. The nurse recognizes these findings as most likely the onset of what infectious process?

Bursitis

Meningitis

Spondylitis

Arthritis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissues. It typically causes localized pain and tenderness in the area of the bursa, often in the shoulders, elbows, or hips.

B.   Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It often presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. The neck stiffness, particularly difficulty flexing the head forward (nuchal rigidity), is a classic sign.
C.   Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine. It can present with chronic back pain and stiffness but is typically associated with long-term symptoms rather than acute systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic back pain and stiffness but are less likely to present with acute fever and headache.
D.   Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. While arthritis can affect the neck (cervical spine arthritis), it typically does not present with systemic symptoms such as fever and chills unless there is an associated infection or inflammatory process.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While isolation may be necessary in certain situations to ensure safety, it is not the most critical
intervention. It’s essential to balance safety with providing the client with support and not making them feel isolated or abandoned. The primary focus should be on creating a safe environment and addressing the immediate risk of self-harm.
B. Checking on the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for a client who is at risk of self- harm or suicide. More frequent monitoring is typically required, especially if the client is deemed at high risk. Immediate and continuous observation is often necessary to prevent further attempts.
C. While setting boundaries is important for therapeutic interactions, it is secondary to addressing immediate safety concerns. The primary focus should be on preventing self-harm and ensuring a safe environment rather than just enforcing rules.
D. Providing a safe environment by removing items that could cause harm is the most crucial intervention for a client who has attempted suicide. This step directly addresses the risk of self-harm and helps prevent further suicide attempts. Creating a safe environment is a fundamental aspect of suicide prevention and immediate care.

A. Concentration B. Attention C. Affect D. Abstract reasoning

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Concentration refers to the ability to focus on a specific task or thought for a period of time. While concentration is important for cognitive functioning, it is not the specific skill being assessed when interpreting the meaning of a proverb.
B. Attention is the ability to focus and direct mental resources towards a specific task or stimulus. While attention is necessary for understanding and processing information, the task of interpreting a proverb is more related to higher-level cognitive processes rather than just the ability to maintain focus.
C. Affect refers to the emotional state or mood of a person. It involves how emotions are expressed and experienced. Assessing affect involves observing the client’s emotional responses, not their ability to interpret abstract concepts. Therefore, affect is not the focus of this assessment.
D. Abstract reasoning is the ability to understand and interpret concepts and ideas that are not directly observable or tangible. It involves thinking beyond concrete facts to understand underlying meanings, patterns, and relationships. Interpreting a proverb, which involves understanding a figurative meaning rather than a literal one, is a test of abstract reasoning. The ability to grasp the deeper meaning behind “A penny saved is a penny earned” reflects the client's capacity for abstract reasoning.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When implementing nursing interventions for a client who has attempted suicide, which of the following is most important?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During an assessment, the nurse asks a client to explain what the following means: "A penny saved is a penny earned." The nurse is assessing which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When preparing to test a client for meningeal irritation, what would the nurse do first?

A patient is diagnosed with Meningitis. During the physical examination in the supine position, the nurse flexed the patient's neck and the patient flexed his knees and hip while complaining of neck pain. This is known as:

After a physical assessment, the nurse determines that a client has full range of motion of the temporomandibular joint. Which of the following assessments did the nurse complete with the client? Select all that apply.

A patient is able to move both upper arms as follows: active movement against gravity, and some resistance. The nurse should document the muscle strength of the upper arms as:

A community health nurse is providing education to help reduce musculoskeletal injuries in adults. What should the nurse include in these instructions? Select all that apply

The client presents to the nurse stating that his jaws feel "stuck". What joint should the nurse assess?

In the Neuro ICU (intensive care unit) while performing a neurological assessment of the patient the nurse noticed the patient: patient opens eyes, looks at you, responds slowly, and is somewhat confused. What level of consciousness (LOC) is this patient presenting?