A patient is exhibiting an altered level of consciousness and is unresponsive to verbal stimuli. To elicit a response from a painful stimulus, the nurse would:

Press down on the orbital area of the eye.

Pinch the trapezius muscle.

Use a 25-gauge needle.

Elicit a reflex with a reflex hammer.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye, known as the oculocephalic reflex or 'doll's eye' maneuver, is a method used to assess brainstem function in an unresponsive patient. However, this should be done with caution and is generally avoided if there is a suspicion of a neck injury or increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method to elicit a response to painful stimuli. It is considered a less invasive and safer initial approach to assess the patient's response to pain without causing harm.

Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle to elicit a response is not a standard practice and can be harmful. It poses a risk of skin puncture and infection, and it is not an appropriate method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess the deep tendon reflexes, which can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system. However, it is not typically used as a method to elicit a response to painful stimuli in an unresponsive patient.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason : A blood pressure of 138/76 mm Hg is within the higher range of normal and is not typically considered an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is used to lower blood pressure.

Choice B reason : A temperature of 36.3°C (97.3°F) is within the normal range and is not an adverse effect of metoprolol.

Choice C reason : A heart rate of 48/min is considered bradycardia and can be an adverse effect of metoprolol, which is a beta-blocker that can slow down the heart rate.

Choice D reason : A respiratory rate of 10/min is on the lower end of the normal range but is not a typical adverse effect of metoprolol. However, if the patient shows signs of respiratory distress, it should be addressed.

A. Constipation B. Decreased tear production C. Mouth ulcers D. Peripheral neuropathy

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Constipation can be a side effect of many cancer treatments, including radiation therapy. However, it is not commonly associated with targeted radiation therapy to the neck. Constipation is more often related to opioid pain medications, decreased physical activity, or dietary changes that a patient may experience during cancer treatment.

Choice B reason: Decreased tear production is not a typical side effect of targeted radiation therapy to the neck. This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, is more commonly associated with radiation therapy that affects the eye or orbital area directly.

Choice C reason: Mouth ulcers, also known as mucositis, are a common adverse effect of radiation therapy to the neck. Radiation can damage the mucosal lining of the mouth, leading to painful sores that can affect a patient's ability to eat, speak, and swallow. These ulcers typically develop one to two weeks after starting treatment and may persist for some time after the treatment ends.

Choice D reason: Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves and often results in symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet, is not a common side effect of radiation therapy to the neck. It is more frequently associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy to areas of the body where peripheral nerves are located.

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A patient is exhibiting an altered level of consciousness and is unresponsive to verbal stimuli. To elicit a response from a painful stimulus, the nurse would:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving targeted radiation therapy to the neck. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this therapy?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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