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 D

Explanation

A. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes typically indicate an immune response to infection or inflammation. While allergies can cause mild lymph node enlargement due to chronic irritation, they do not directly cause the characteristic facial signs described, such as the transverse nasal crease and allergic shiners.

B. Nasal congestion: Nasal congestion is a symptom rather than a primary diagnosis. Although allergies can cause nasal congestion, the child exhibits additional hallmark signs of allergic rhinitis, including allergic shiners, Dennie-Morgan lines, and a nasal crease, suggesting a chronic allergic process rather than isolated congestion.

C. Upper respiratory infection: Viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes, but they are usually short-lived and accompanied by fever, malaise, or yellow-green nasal discharge. The presence of a nasal crease and allergic shiners suggests a chronic process like allergic rhinitis rather than an acute infection.

D. Chronic allergies: The presence of a transverse nasal crease from frequent "allergic salute" rubbing, dark periorbital circles (allergic shiners) due to venous congestion, and Dennie-Morgan lines (double creases under the eyes) are classic findings in allergic rhinitis. These symptoms, along with watery eyes and clear nasal drainage, strongly indicate a chronic allergic condition rather than an infectious cause.

A. Bradypnea B. Agonal respirations C. Chronic obstructive breathing D. Hypoventilation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Bradypnea: Characterized by a regular but abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically fewer than 12 breaths per minute in adults. While the patient’s respiratory rate is 12, the irregular pattern and shallow depth suggest a different pattern rather than simple bradypnea.

B. Agonal respirations: Marked by gasping, labored breaths often seen in severe hypoxia or nearing death. This pattern is typically irregular and associated with brainstem dysfunction, which is not described in this case.

C. Chronic obstructive breathing: Seen in patients with COPD, involving prolonged expiration due to airway obstruction. The patient’s case does not mention an obstructive pattern but rather shallow and irregular respirations.

D. Hypoventilation: Defined by shallow, irregular breathing that leads to inadequate alveolar ventilation, commonly caused by drug overdose, particularly opioids or sedatives. The patient’s presentation of shallow and irregular respirations fits this pattern.

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

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient has been admitted to the emergency department for a suspected drug overdose. His respirations are shallow, with an irregular pattern, at a rate of 12 respirations per minute. The nurse interprets this respiration pattern as which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The sac that surrounds and protects the heart is called?

The nurse is reviewing the function of the cranial nerves (CNS). Which CN is responsible for conducting nerve impulses to the brain for hearing?

When auscultating the lungs of an adult patient, the nurse notes that low-pitched, soft breath sounds are heard over the posterior lower lobes, with inspiration being longer than expiration. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

A patient has a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the assessment, the nurse will most likely observe which of these?

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of neck and shoulder pain and is unable to turn her head. Which nerve does the nurse suspect is damaged and how should the nurse proceed with the examination?

The nurse is testing a patient's visual accommodation. How is accommodation assessed?

The nurse is assessing a 12 year old with new onset of double vision. The nurse notes the child's right eye is positioned down and out. The nurse knows these findings are suggestive of damage to cranial nerve

While performing the otoscopic examination of a 3-year-old boy who has been pulling on his left ear, the nurse finds that his left tympanic membrane is bright red and that the light reflex is abnormal. What do these findings indicate?