A client who has uncontrolled diabetes mellitus visits a clinic. Client reports numbness and tingling in the feet which keeps them up at night. The nurse explains this condition as a nerve disorder called peripheral neuropathy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of what causes this condition?
"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord."
"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual."
"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet."
"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage."
The Correct Answer is D
"The nerves just go to sleep when I lie down because no message gets from my brain to the spinal cord." is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the mechanism of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes is not simply the nerves "going to sleep" due to lack of communication between the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B Reason:
"The nerve damage may occur for unknown reasons in any individual" is incorrect because while the exact cause of peripheral neuropathy may not always be known, in the context of diabetes mellitus, the link between elevated blood sugar levels and nerve damage is well-established.
Choice C Reason:
"The older I get, there is less blood flowing to my feet. “is incorrect because while decreased blood flow (ischemia) can contribute to peripheral neuropathy in some cases, the primary mechanism in diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage due to hyperglycemia rather than reduced blood flow.
Choice D Reason:
"The elevated blood sugar from my diabetes can cause underlying nerve damage." Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly when the condition is uncontrolled. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to damage to the nerves, especially those in the feet and legs. This damage can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or pain in the affected areas.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
African American clients is appropriate. Research suggests that African Americans have a lower prevalence of MS compared to White Americans, but they tend to have more severe disease progression and higher disability rates when diagnosed with MS.
Choice B Reason:
White American clients: Individuals of European descent, including White Americans, have the highest prevalence of MS, particularly those of northern European ancestry. MS is more common in populations of northern European descent compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Choice C Reason:
East Asian clients: East Asians, including individuals of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean descent, have historically had lower rates of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, MS prevalence appears to be increasing in East Asian populations, possibly due to changes in lifestyle and environmental factors.
Choice D Reason:
Hispanic or Latino clients: Studies suggest that the prevalence of MS is lower in Hispanic/Latino populations compared to White Americans but higher than in African Americans. However, there is considerable variation in MS prevalence among different Hispanic/Latino subgroups.
Choice E Reason:
Navajo Indian clients: Native American populations, including Navajo Indians, have been reported to have a lower prevalence of MS compared to individuals of European descent. However, limited data are available on MS prevalence and incidence in specific Native American tribes, and more research is needed to fully understand the disease burden in these populations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
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