A nurse is assessing a client who has a rotator cuff injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Difficulty with abduction of the arm at the shoulder.
Alteration in the contour of the joint.
Positive Tinel's sign.
Negative drop arm test.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Difficulty with abduction of the arm at the shoulder is a common finding in clients with a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate its movement. When these muscles or tendons are injured, movements such as lifting the arm away from the body (abduction) can become painful and difficult.
Choice B reason:
Alteration in the contour of the joint is not typically associated with a rotator cuff injury. This finding is more indicative of conditions that cause changes in the bone structure, such as arthritis or dislocation.
Choice C reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, particularly in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not a test used to assess rotator cuff injuries.
Choice D reason:
A negative drop arm test would suggest that the client does not have a rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by having the client lift the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the client can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the client cannot control the descent of the arm, would indicate a rotator cuff injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug that can be used to treat and prevent seizures. Headache and restlessness could be signs of neurological irritation or an impending seizure, which phenytoin can help to manage. It is important to monitor the client's neurological status closely following hemodialysis, as changes in electrolyte balance can affect neuronal activity.
Choice B reason:
Decreased blood pressure and rapid pulse are not typical indications for administering phenytoin. These symptoms could indicate hypovolemia or other cardiovascular issues that may occur after hemodialysis, which would require different interventions.
Choice C reason:
Muscle cramps and chest heaviness are not indications for phenytoin administration. Muscle cramps can be a common side effect of hemodialysis due to electrolyte shifts, and chest heaviness may indicate cardiovascular strain or other complications.
Choice D reason:
Pain and tingling at the access site are typically related to the vascular access itself and are not treated with phenytoin. These symptoms may require assessment for potential complications such as infection or thrombosis at the access site.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The inability to abduct the arm at the shoulder is a classic sign of a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint and aiding in various movements, including abduction. When there is a tear or significant weakness in the rotator cuff muscles, especially the supraspinatus muscle, the patient may be unable to lift the arm away from the body or may experience pain while doing so.
Choice B reason:
A negative drop arm test would actually indicate that there is no rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by asking the patient to fully abduct the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the patient can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the patient cannot control the descent of the arm, would suggest a rotator cuff tear.
Choice C reason:
While an alteration in the contour of the joint may indicate some form of shoulder pathology, it is not specific to a rotator cuff injury. Changes in the contour could be due to various conditions, including dislocation, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders.
Choice D reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, not rotator cuff injuries. It is performed by tapping over the course of a nerve to elicit a tingling sensation or pain in the distribution of the nerve. This sign is commonly associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
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