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 a correct answer, as the medication increases dopamine levels in the brain, which helps to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Choice B reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as the medication does not decrease acetylcholine levels in the brain, but rather increases dopamine levels. Acetylcholine is another neurotransmitter that controls muscle contraction, learning, and memory.
Choice C reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as the medication does not increase serotonin levels in the brain, but rather increases dopamine levels. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that controls mood, sleep, and appetite.
Choice D reason:
This is an incorrect answer, as the medication does not decrease glutamate levels in the brain, but rather increases dopamine levels. Glutamate is another neurotransmitter that controls excitatory signals in the brain.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is the correct answer because atherosclerosis is the main cause of ischemic stroke, as it leads to the formation of plaques that narrow the cerebral arteries and reduce blood flow to the brain.
Choice B reason:
This is incorrect because atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, but not the most common cause. Atrial fibrillation can cause embolic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot from the heart travels to the brain and blocks a cerebral artery.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect because cerebral aneurysm is a cause of hemorrhagic stroke, not ischemic stroke. Cerebral aneurysm is a weak spot in a cerebral artery that can rupture and bleed into the brain.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because arteriovenous malformation is also a cause of hemorrhagic stroke, not ischemic stroke. Arteriovenous malformation is a congenital abnormality of the blood vessels in the brain that can leak or burst and cause bleeding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
