A nurse is assessing a client who has a herniated lumbar disc. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
The client reports relief from pain when lying in the prone position.
The client reports that their low-back pain radiates upward toward one scapula.
The client reports tingling and a burning sensation in one foot.
The client reports decreased pain when the affected leg is raised.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason
The client reports relief from pain when lying in the prone position. This statement is incorrect. Clients with a herniated lumbar disc typically find relief from pain when lying on their back with their knees bent or in a fetal position. Lying prone can sometimes exacerbate the pain.
Choice B Reason
The client reports that their low-back pain radiates upward toward one scapula. This statement is incorrect. Pain from a herniated lumbar disc usually radiates downward into the buttocks, legs, and sometimes the feet, not upward toward the scapula.
Choice C Reason
The client reports tingling and a burning sensation in one foot. This is the correct finding. A herniated lumbar disc can compress spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation in the legs and feet.
Choice D Reason
The client reports decreased pain when the affected leg is raised. This statement is incorrect. Raising the affected leg often increases pain due to the stretching of the sciatic nerve, which can be compressed by the herniated disc.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A distended, board-like abdomen is a critical finding that can indicate peritonitis, a severe complication of appendicitis. Peritonitis occurs when the appendix ruptures, leading to infection spreading throughout the abdominal cavity. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications and potential sepsis.
Choice B Reason:
A WBC count of 15,000/mm³ is elevated and suggests an infection, which is common in appendicitis. However, it is not as immediately critical as signs of peritonitis. Elevated WBC counts are expected in cases of appendicitis but do not necessarily indicate a life-threatening emergency.
Choice C Reason:
Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates localized inflammation. While it is an important diagnostic sign, it does not require immediate reporting compared to signs of peritonitis.
Choice D Reason:
A temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F) is only slightly elevated and does not indicate a severe infection or complication. Fever is a common symptom of appendicitis but is not as critical as a distended, board-like abdomen.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider if you experience a stinging sensation following administration is not necessary. A mild stinging sensation is a common side effect of timolol eye drops and usually subsides quickly. However, if the stinging persists or is severe, it should be reported.
Choice B Reason:
Watching for a decreased heart rate while using this medication is important. Timolol is a beta-blocker, and one of its systemic side effects can be bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Patients should be aware of this potential side effect and monitor their heart rate regularly.
Choice C Reason:
Developing a harmless darkening of the iris is not associated with timolol. This side effect is more commonly linked to prostaglandin analogs, another class of medications used to treat glaucoma.
Choice D Reason:
Timolol does not cause the lashes of the affected eye to lengthen. This side effect is also associated with prostaglandin analogs, not beta-blockers like timolol.
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.