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
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that can be effective for a range of conditions, including chronic pain. However, it may not be the most suitable for acute pain management at home following a knee injury. CBT usually involves working with a trained therapist over multiple sessions, which may not be practical or immediately beneficial in this context.
Choice B rationale
Intermittent ice compress is a highly recommended non-pharmacological method for managing acute pain, especially following a knee injury. The cold temperature from the ice can help numb the area, reducing pain and inflammation. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and readily available method that can be easily applied at home.
Choice C rationale
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light using polychromatic polarised light, lasers, light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, or dichroic lamps. While it has been used to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder, skin conditions, and neonatal jaundice, its effectiveness in managing acute pain following a knee injury is not well-established.
Choice D rationale
Walking on a treadmill might not be suitable for a patient experiencing acute pain following a knee injury. Physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health and certain types of chronic pain. However, in the case of an acute knee injury, rest and immobilization are often recommended initially to allow the injured tissues to heal.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring volume status is important in managing increased ICP, but it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring proper ventriculostomy transducer levels is important in monitoring ICP, but it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice C rationale
Managing sedation can help control agitation and excessive muscular activity, which can potentially increase ICP. However, it is not a direct intervention to reduce ICP78.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the head of the bed 15 degrees can help promote venous drainage, enhance cerebral perfusion, and reduce ICP78.
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