A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis and notes that when passively flexing the client's neck, there is an involuntary flexion of both legs. Which of the following conditions is the client displaying?
Bradykinesia
Brudzinski's sign
Kernig's sign
Nuchal rigidity
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason : Bradykinesia refers to the slowness of movement and is commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, not meningitis. It is characterized by a gradual loss of spontaneous movement and can affect the ability to initiate and continue movements¹.
Choice B reason : Brudzinski's sign is a clinical sign that suggests meningitis when neck flexion causes reflex flexion of the hips and knees. It occurs due to meningeal irritation caused by spinal cord movement or nerves against the meninges¹. This sign is considered positive when passive flexion of the neck results in reflex flexion of the hips and knees, indicating meningeal irritation².
Choice C reason : Kernig's sign is another clinical sign used to evaluate for meningitis. It involves extending and straightening one knee while the individual lies on their back with their hips and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. A positive Kernig’s sign indicates pain or resistance when the leg is extended, which suggests meningitis³. However, it is not the condition described in the scenario.
Choice D reason : Nuchal rigidity is an inability to flex the neck forward due to rigidity of the neck muscles. While it is a sign of meningitis, it does not involve the involuntary flexion of the legs as described in the scenario. Nuchal rigidity is typically assessed by attempting to flex the patient's neck forward while they are in a supine position⁴.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Achieving a blood pressure of 120/80 is a general goal for overall cardiovascular health, but it is not specific to the management of heart failure. While controlling blood pressure is important in heart failure, the primary objective is to reduce the heart's workload¹.
Choice B reason : Reducing the workload on the heart is a key objective in managing heart failure. This can be achieved through medications that improve heart function, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions. The goal is to improve the heart's efficiency and reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue¹.
Choice C reason : Encouraging the client to walk briskly on a treadmill at 4 to 5 miles an hour may not be appropriate for all heart failure patients, especially without medical supervision. Exercise recommendations should be personalized based on the individual's condition and tolerance¹.
Choice D reason : While dietary modifications are part of heart failure management, completely eliminating all sodium and fat is not practical or recommended. Instead, a balanced diet with controlled sodium intake is advised to help manage fluid retention¹.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason : Morphine sulfate is used intravenously in acute heart failure with pulmonary edema because it can reduce preload and afterload, thereby decreasing the work of the heart and improving breathing.
Choice B reason : Administering oxygen is crucial for a client with pulmonary edema to improve oxygenation and relieve symptoms of hypoxia.
Choice C reason : Transporting the client to the coronary care unit is appropriate for continuous monitoring and management of acute heart failure and pulmonary edema.
Choice D reason : While placing the client in a high Fowler's position is recommended to ease breathing, the low Fowler's side-lying position is not typically indicated for pulmonary edema. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E reason : Inserting a Foley catheter can help monitor urine output, especially important when administering diuretics like furosemide, and manage fluid status.
Choice F reason : Administering furosemide (Lasix), a diuretic, helps to reduce fluid overload and relieve pulmonary congestion in clients with heart failure and pulmonary edema.
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