A nurse is caring for a client who has degenerative disc disease.
Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse understand might develop with this condition? (Select All that Apply)
Hyponatremia
Paresthesia
Foot drop
Intermittent pain
Hyperreflexia
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale
Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, but it is not directly linked to degenerative disc disease.
Choice B rationale
Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling or prickling, can develop with degenerative disc disease. This is due to the fact that degenerative changes can lead to nerve compression, which can cause these sensations.
Choice C rationale
Foot drop, a gait abnormality, can be a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It can occur if the disease process affects the nerves that control the muscles involved in lifting the foot.
Choice D rationale
Intermittent pain is a common symptom of degenerative disc disease. The pain can vary in intensity and may be worse with certain activities or positions.
Choice E rationale
Hyperreflexia, or overactive reflexes, is not typically a symptom of degenerative disc disease. It is more commonly associated with conditions that affect the upper motor neurons.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A patient reporting a burning sensation is a subjective sign of pain. It relies on the patient’s personal experience and verbal report.
Choice B rationale
A patient grimacing when they move is an objective sign of pain. It is observable and does not rely on the patient’s verbal report.
Choice C rationale
A patient rating their pain as an 8 on a scale of 0 to 10 is a subjective sign of pain. It relies on the patient’s personal experience and verbal report.
Choice D rationale
A patient stating the pain is located in their abdomen is a subjective sign of pain. It relies on the patient’s personal experience and verbal report.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a stiff neck can be a symptom of a cerebral aneurysm, it is not a definitive sign. A stiff neck is more commonly associated with conditions like meningitis.
Choice B rationale
Most cerebral aneurysms do not cause symptoms until they rupture or become very large. Therefore, a person with a cerebral aneurysm typically will have no symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Seizures can occur if a cerebral aneurysm ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain. However, seizures are not a common symptom of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Choice D rationale
Nausea and vomiting can occur if a cerebral aneurysm ruptures and causes a sudden increase in intracranial pressure. However, these are not typical symptoms of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm.
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