A nurse is assessing a client who has a herniated cervical intervertebral disc. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.
Tingling in the arms
Shoulder pain
Muscle spasms
Stiff neck
Low back pain
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A reason: Tingling in the arms can occur due to nerve compression caused by the herniated disc. This is a common symptom known as radicular pain, which can radiate from the neck down to the arms and hands.
Choice B reason: Shoulder pain is another expected finding, as the nerves affected by a cervical herniated disc can cause pain to radiate into the shoulders.
Choice C reason: Muscle spasms may be a reflexive response to the pain and inflammation caused by the herniated disc, as the body attempts to stabilize the affected area.
Choice D reason: A stiff neck can result from the muscle tension and reduced range of motion due to the pain and inflammation associated with a herniated cervical disc.
Choice E reason: Low back pain is not typically associated with a herniated cervical disc, as cervical discs are located in the neck region. Low back pain would be more indicative of a lumbar spine issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis would be indicated by an elevated pH and HCO3, but the PaCO2 would typically be higher due to compensatory hypoventilation.
Choice B reason: This is the correct choice. The elevated pH and low PaCO2 indicate respiratory alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation. The normal HCO3 suggests that there has been no renal compensation, hence 'uncompensated'.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because, for metabolic alkalosis to be uncompensated, the PaCO2 would typically be normal or high, not low.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and high PaCO2, which is not the case here.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Neurological checks are essential after spinal surgery to monitor for any changes or deterioration in the patient's neurological status. The frequency of these checks can vary based on the patient's condition, but a common standard is to perform them every 4 hours or sooner. However, in some cases, especially immediately post operation, checks may be required more frequently, such as every 2 hours, to ensure any complications are identified and managed promptly.
Choice B reason: While mobilization is an important aspect of postsurgical care to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis, positioning a patient in a chair every 2 hours may not be appropriate immediately following spinal surgery. The patient's mobility and pain level must be assessed, and activities should be gradually increased as tolerated.
Choice C reason: Inspecting the spinal dressing is important to identify signs of infection or complications. However, clear drainage is not typically expected and could indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: The term "criminal checks" is not relevant to nursing care and seems to be a typographical error. The nurse's focus should be on clinical assessments and interventions related to the patient's health status.
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