A doctor is seeing a patient for complaints of pins and needles sensation to their left hand. Which of the following terms should the doctor indicate on their charting?
Dysesthesia
Paresthesia
Proprioception
Sprain
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Dysesthesia refers to abnormal sensations, often painful, like burning or aching, due to nerve damage. While related to sensory nerve dysfunction, it does not specifically describe the pins and needles sensation, which is better characterized by paresthesia, making this term less precise for the patient’s complaint.
Choice B reason: Paresthesia describes abnormal sensations like pins and needles, typically from nerve compression or irritation, as in carpal tunnel syndrome. It accurately captures the patient’s reported left-hand sensation, aligning with clinical terminology for documenting transient or chronic sensory nerve disturbances, making it the appropriate term.
Choice C reason: Proprioception is the sense of body position, mediated by sensory receptors in muscles and joints, not related to pins and needles sensations. It involves spatial awareness, not cutaneous sensory abnormalities, so this term is irrelevant to the patient’s sensory complaint in the left hand.
Choice D reason: A sprain is a ligament injury, causing pain and swelling, not sensory disturbances like pins and needles. It is a musculoskeletal issue, unrelated to neurological symptoms of nerve irritation, making this term inappropriate for documenting the patient’s sensory nerve-related complaint.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Limited ability to reposition is a major risk factor for pressure injuries, as immobility increases pressure on bony prominences, reducing blood flow and causing tissue ischemia. This leads to skin breakdown, particularly in bedridden patients, making it a critical factor in pressure ulcer development.
Choice B reason: Requiring stand-by assistance for activities of daily living (ADLs) indicates some mobility, as the patient can perform tasks with supervision. This does not inherently increase pressure injury risk, unlike immobility or moisture, making it the least relevant risk factor among the choices.
Choice C reason: Poor nutritional state is a risk factor for pressure injuries, as malnutrition impairs skin integrity and wound healing. Deficiencies in protein or vitamins reduce tissue resilience, increasing susceptibility to pressure-induced damage, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients.
Choice D reason: Moisture from incontinence, wound drainage, or perspiration softens skin, increasing friction and shear forces, which heighten pressure injury risk. It compromises skin barrier function, promoting maceration and ulceration, making it a significant contributor to pressure ulcer formation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pain rating is considered a subjective vital sign, assessed via patient self-reporting, often on a 0-10 scale. It reflects neurological and emotional status, guiding pain management. Including it as a vital sign is a valid clinical practice, making this choice a correct use.
Choice B reason: In less stable clients, vital signs should be checked more frequently than once daily, often every few hours, to monitor deteriorating conditions like sepsis or shock. This statement inaccurately suggests infrequent monitoring, which is not a standard use of vital signs, making it the correct answer.
Choice C reason: Vital signs assess circulatory (blood pressure, pulse), respiratory (respirations, pulse oximetry), neurological (via pulse and responsiveness), and endocrine (temperature) systems. They provide critical data on physiological function, making this a valid use of vital signs in comprehensive health assessments.
Choice D reason: Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry, which measure thermoregulation, cardiovascular, and respiratory status. This is a standard definition in clinical practice, accurately reflecting the components of vital sign assessment, making it a correct use.
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