A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease and has been diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome. Which of the following would be an expected finding with this condition?

Paralytic lleus

Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg

Weakness in one or both legs

Potassium 3.2 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason:

Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.

Choice B Reason:

Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.

Choice C Reason:

Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.

Choice D Reason:

Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Previous stroke is not directly associated with an increased risk of status asthmaticus. While individuals with certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, may have an increased risk of complications from severe asthma exacerbations, a previous stroke alone is not a recognized risk factor for status asthmaticus.

Choice B Reason:

Irritants and hypersensitivity to medications, may trigger asthma exacerbations, but they are not specific risk factors for status asthmaticus. Asthma exacerbations triggered by irritants or medications can typically be managed with appropriate treatment measures and do not necessarily lead to status asthmaticus.

Choice C Reason:

Previous intubation due to status asthmaticus episode is correct. Status asthmaticus is a severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation that is unresponsive to standard treatment measures such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids. It is characterized by prolonged and severe bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and respiratory distress.

Choice D Reason:

Bronchial pneumonia is not a known risk factor for status asthmaticus. Bronchial pneumonia, or pneumonia affecting the bronchi and lungs, is a separate respiratory condition caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. While pneumonia can exacerbate asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma, it is not specifically associated with an increased risk of status asthmaticus.

A. Osteoporosis B. Polyuria C. Anxiety and depression D. Delirium

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Osteoporosis is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to osteoporosis over time due to several factors, including chronic hypoxemia, which can affect bone metabolism and lead to bone loss.

Choice B Reason:

Polyuria is inappropriate. Polyuria, or increased urination, is not typically associated with chronic respiratory acidosis. In fact, respiratory acidosis tends to cause retention of bicarbonate ions, which can lead to compensatory metabolic alkalosis and decreased urine output.

Choice C Reason:

Anxiety and depression is inappropriate. Chronic respiratory acidosis can lead to symptoms such as lethargy, confusion, and decreased mental acuity due to the effects of elevated CO2 levels on the central nervous system. While anxiety and depression are not direct consequences of chronic respiratory acidosis, individuals with COPD may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their chronic respiratory condition.

Choice D Reason:

Delirium is correct. Delirium, characterized by an acute change in mental status, confusion, and altered consciousness, can occur in severe cases of chronic respiratory acidosis, especially during acute exacerbations. Elevated CO2 levels can affect brain function and lead to symptoms of delirium.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease and has been diagnosed with cauda equine syndrome. Which of the following would be an expected finding with this condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following risk factors is associated with a client having a higher risk of experiencing status asthmaticus?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic respiratory acidosis due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect with this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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