A nurse is assessing a client who has Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and notes that the client's breathing is shallow and the client is short of breath. The nurse understands that that the client's respiratory distress is caused by which of the following?

Degeneration of nerves in the brainstem and spinal cord.

Pleural effusion caused by immobility.

Demyelination of nerves that stimulate the respiratory muscles.

Bronchoconstriction and edema of the airways.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   While GBS primarily affects peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord), it does not typically cause direct degeneration of nerves in the brainstem and spinal cord. Therefore, this option is not correct in the context of respiratory distress in GBS.
B.   Pleural effusion caused by immobility: Pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity around the lungs, is not a typical complication of GBS. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, or malignancy, rather than directly with GBS.
C.   In Guillain-Barre Syndrome, demyelination of nerves affects the transmission of signals from the brain to the muscles, including those responsible for respiration. As a result, respiratory muscles may become weak or paralyzed, leading to shallow breathing and respiratory distress.
D.   While respiratory distress can occur in some neurological conditions due to autonomic dysfunction or secondary complications, such as aspiration pneumonia, bronchoconstriction and airway edema are not typical manifestations of GBS itself.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This option is appropriate because the client's low white blood cell count (3,100/mm³) suggests they are at risk for infection due to chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that could potentially lead to infections.

B. This option is not necessary based on the client's current lab results. Negative pressure isolation rooms are typically reserved for clients with severely compromised immune systems, such as those with very low neutrophil counts (neutropenia). A white blood cell count of 3,100/mm³ is within a range where standard precautions are usually sufficient.
C. This option addresses food safety precautions for clients with neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Raw vegetables, including salads, have a higher risk of harboring bacteria that could cause infections. Therefore, cooked vegetables are safer for clients with compromised immune systems.
D. This option is appropriate because chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 280,000/mm³) increases the risk of bleeding. Forceful blowing of the nose can traumatize the nasal mucosa and increase the risk of nosebleeds. Dabbing the nose gently is a safer method to avoid nosebleeds.

A. "Carbidopa crosses the blood-brain barrier where it is then converted to dopamine." B. "It may take weeks to begin seeing the effects of this medication." C. “You will remain on the same dosage of this medication for the rest of your life." D. "Levodopa protects carbidopa, preventing carbidopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Carbidopa itself does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Its primary role in Sinemet is to inhibit the peripheral breakdown of levodopa (the precursor of dopamine) into dopamine before it reaches the brain.
B. It is true that it may take a few weeks to see the full effects of this medication, as the body needs time to adjust to it.
C. Parkinson's disease is progressive, and as the disease advances, the dosage and frequency of levodopa with carbidopa may need to be adjusted to maintain symptom control. Over time, higher doses or additional medications may be required to manage symptoms effectively.
D. Levodopa does not protect Carbidopa; rather, Carbidopa protects Levodopa from early conversion to dopamine outside the brain, which would make it less effective.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and notes that the client's breathing is shallow and the client is short of breath. The nurse understands that that the client's respiratory distress is caused by which of the following?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. The client's most recent lab results show a white blood cell count of 3,100/mm3, and a platelet count of 280,000/mm3. Based on these lab results, which nursing action is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with Parkinson's disease is started on Levodopa with Carbidopa (Sinemet). What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client presents to the emergency department with complaints of numbness and weakness which began in the feet and has progressed symmetrically in an ascending pattern through the bilateral lower extremities. The nurse understands that this pattern most closely fits which neurological disorder?

A client has been diagnosed with chronic stable angina and has a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets. Which statement about this medication should the nurse include in the patient education?

A client on a medical-surgical unit has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The nurse understands that in addition to supportive care, which treatment can be used within the first 2 weeks of symptom onset?

A nurse is discussing treatments and interventions with a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following would assist in preventing exacerbations?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and a new prescription for riluzole. The nurse understands that this medication works in which of the following ways?

A nurse is caring for a client who has developed cor pulmonale secondary to an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following manifestations is caused by corpulmonale?