A client who has lumbar radiculopathy due to spinal stenosis is scheduled for an interventional procedure to relieve their symptoms. The nurse explains to the client that they will receive an injection of a steroid and a local anesthetic into the epidural space of their spine. The client asks the nurse, "How will this help me?" Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
"The steroid will reduce the inflammation and swelling of the nerve root, which will decrease your pain and improve your function."
"The local anesthetic will block the transmission of pain signals from the nerve root to your brain, which will provide you with temporary relief."
"The combination of steroid and local anesthetic will shrink the size of the disc or bone spur that is compressing the nerve root, which will restore your mobility and sensation."
"The injection will deliver medication directly to the affected area of your spine, which will have fewer side effects than oral or intravenous medications."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
This is the correct answer because epidural steroid injections are used to treat radiculopathy by reducing inflammation and edema of the nerve root, which can relieve radicular pain and improve neurological function.
Choice B reason:
This is incorrect because local anesthetic alone can provide temporary pain relief by blocking nerve conduction, but it does not address the underlying cause of radiculopathy, which is nerve root compression.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect because steroid and local anesthetic do not have any effect on the size or shape of the disc or bone spur that is compressing the nerve root. They only reduce inflammation and pain.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because although epidural injections may have fewer systemic side effects than oral or intravenous medications, they still have some risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or spinal headache.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is the correct answer because trimming the toenails straight across and filing the edges can prevent ingrown toenails, which can cause infection and complications in clients with peripheral neuropathy.
Choice B reason:
This is incorrect because soaking the feet in warm water for 15 minutes every day can cause maceration, which can increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection in clients with peripheral neuropathy.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect because wearing cotton socks and changing them when they are damp can cause friction and moisture, which can also increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection in clients with peripheral neuropathy.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can cause fungal growth, which can lead to athlete's foot or other infections in clients with peripheral neuropathy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as seizures do not occur due to too much stimulation in brain cells, but rather due to abnormal electrical activity caused by neurotransmitter imbalance.
Choice B reason:
This is a correct answer, as seizures occur due to neurotransmitter imbalance, which disrupts communication between neurons and causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as seizures do not occur due to lack of oxygen in brain tissue, but rather due to abnormal electrical activity caused by neurotransmitter imbalance.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as seizures do not occur due to infection in brain tissue, but rather due to abnormal electrical activity caused by neurotransmitter imbalance.
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