A patient is unable to differentiate between sharp and dull stimulation to both sides of her face. What does the nurse suspect?

Bell palsy

Scleroderma

Damage to the trigeminal nerves

Frostbite with resultant paresthesia to the cheeks

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Bell palsy: Bell palsy is characterized by sudden, unilateral facial weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the face. While it can impact sensation, the inability to differentiate between sharp and dull stimuli on both sides of the face suggests a more systemic issue rather than just Bell palsy.

B. Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue, leading to skin thickening and changes in blood flow. While it can cause skin changes and discomfort, it does not specifically result in the loss of the ability to differentiate sharp and dull sensations in a localized manner.

C. Damage to the trigeminal nerves: The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is responsible for sensory perception in the face, including the ability to differentiate between sharp and dull sensations. Damage to this nerve can lead to loss of sensation or altered sensation in the facial region. The bilateral nature of the symptoms suggests a central or systemic cause affecting the trigeminal pathways.

D. Frostbite with resultant paresthesia to the cheeks: Frostbite typically causes localized tissue damage and would more likely present with symptoms specific to the affected areas, such as numbness, discoloration, or blistering. While frostbite can lead to sensory changes, it would not typically result in a generalized inability to differentiate sensations on both sides of the face.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Behind with the nurse's hands placed firmly around his neck: This approach may be perceived as threatening or invasive, potentially increasing the patient's apprehension and discomfort. It is important to maintain a respectful and gentle approach, especially when working with a patient who may already feel uneasy.

B. Behind with hands placed on throat: Similar to option A, examining from behind and placing hands on the throat may cause anxiety and discomfort for the patient, particularly if they are not familiar with the procedure. This method does not provide a clear line of sight or reassurance for the patient.

C. The front with the nurse's thumbs placed on either side of his trachea and his head tilted forward: This technique is the most appropriate approach for examining the thyroid gland. Positioning the patient in front allows for better communication and visibility. Placing the thumbs on either side of the trachea is a standard method for palpating the thyroid, and having the patient tilt their head forward can help relax the neck muscles, making the examination more comfortable. Additionally, this approach allows the nurse to explain the procedure more easily, even with language barriers.

D. Have the patient perform the exam: While patient involvement in their care can be empowering, asking the patient to perform the exam may not be appropriate for a thyroid examination, as the nurse must assess the gland's size, consistency, and any potential nodules. This approach may also lead to further anxiety for the patient, who may not know how to perform the exam correctly.

A. Maxillary sinuses reach full size after puberty. B. Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are the only sinuses present at birth. C. Frontal sinuses are fairly well developed at birth. D. Sphenoid sinuses are full size at birth.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Maxillary sinuses reach full size after puberty: While maxillary sinuses continue to grow throughout childhood, they are present at birth and reach adult size during late adolescence. The frontal and sphenoid sinuses, rather than the maxillary, experience more significant postnatal development.

B. Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are the only sinuses present at birth: At birth, only the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are developed. The frontal and sphenoid sinuses begin to develop later in infancy and childhood, with full maturation occurring in adolescence.

C. Frontal sinuses are fairly well developed at birth: Frontal sinuses do not develop until around 7 to 8 years of age and continue growing into adolescence. They are absent or rudimentary in newborns.

D. Sphenoid sinuses are full size at birth: The sphenoid sinuses begin developing around 2 to 3 years of age and continue growing into late childhood and adolescence. They are not present at birth.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A patient is unable to differentiate between sharp and dull stimulation to both sides of her face. What does the nurse suspect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A visitor from Poland who does not speak English seems to be somewhat apprehensive about the nurse examining his neck. How should the nurse proceed that would allow the patient to feel more comfortable with the nurse examining his thyroid gland?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing the development of the newborn infant. Regarding the sinuses, which statement is true in relation to a newborn infant?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 33 year old patient presents with complaints of enlarged lymph nodes in their neck. The nurse will use which part of the hand to examine the lymph node size?

The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on an adult. Which of these actions is correct?

A patient's laboratory data reveal an elevated thyroxine (T4) level. What gland should the nurse assess?

A patient has been in the intensive care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical-surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental status examination. What should the nurse expect during this patient's tests of cognitive function?

When listening to heart sounds, which valve closures are heard best at the base of the heart?

In performing a voice test to assess hearing, which of these actions would the nurse perform?

The nurse is assessing a patient's nostrils for patency. How should the nurse best perform this assessment?

During an assessment, where would the nurse best auscultate for a tricuspid valve murmur?