A patient presents to the Emergency Department (ED) reporting right facial weakness. The nurse understands that a patient suffering from Bell's Palsy will exhibit which assessment findings related to the cranial nerve involvement?

painful areas on the affected side following 3 branches of the nerve

decreased visual acuity when tested with Snellen Chart

unilateral upper and lower facial weaknesses including forehead

facial dropping, with arm and leg weakness on the affected side

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Painful areas on the affected side following 3 branches of the nerve:
This is not typically a feature of Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is primarily a motor dysfunction of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), leading to facial weakness. The pain associated with Bell's Palsy, if present, is usually mild and localized to the jaw, behind the ear, or along the jawline rather than along all three branches of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which controls sensation in the face. Therefore, this choice is not consistent with the typical presentation of Bell's Palsy.

B) Decreased visual acuity when tested with Snellen Chart:
Decreased visual acuity is not a primary feature of Bell's Palsy. This condition specifically affects facial nerve function, which controls the muscles of facial expression, including those responsible for closing the eyes tightly. However, Bell's Palsy does not typically result in visual changes such as decreased visual acuity or problems with vision itself. Decreased vision would be more indicative of an issue with the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) or other eye-related conditions.

C) Unilateral upper and lower facial weakness including forehead:
This is the hallmark sign of Bell's Palsy. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls the muscles of the face, and when it becomes affected by Bell's Palsy, both the upper and lower parts of the face on one side can be weak or paralyzed. Importantly, Bell's Palsy causes inability to wrinkle the forehead, which distinguishes it from stroke, where the forehead is typically spared because the upper part of the facial muscles receives bilateral input from the brain. Thus, both upper and lower facial weakness, including inability to raise the eyebrow (forehead), is characteristic of Bell's Palsy.

D) Facial dropping, with arm and leg weakness on the affected side:
Facial drooping is a common symptom of Bell's Palsy, but arm and leg weakness is not associated with it. Arm and leg weakness on the same side would be more suggestive of a stroke affecting the cerebrovascular system, rather than a peripheral nerve issue like Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is confined to facial nerve dysfunction and does not cause weakness in the limbs.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

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

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) “I will be able to recall events from childhood after completing rehabilitation”:
This demonstrates an unrealistic expectation. While rehabilitation can significantly improve cognitive functions, a serious brain injury may affect memory and recall to a degree that may not be fully reversible. Complete recovery of specific memories, such as childhood events, is not guaranteed.

B) "I will display all of my pre-injury traits and characteristics.":
This also reflects an unrealistic goal. Brain injuries can result in permanent changes to cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning. While rehabilitation can help a patient regain many abilities, it is unlikely that they will fully return to their pre-injury state, particularly in terms of personality traits and behaviors.

C) “I will regain complete motor and sensory functions after rehabilitation”:
This is also unrealistic. While rehabilitation aims to help patients regain as much motor and sensory function as possible, it is often not possible to fully restore complete function after a significant brain injury. Recovery may be partial, and some deficits may remain, depending on the extent of the injury.

D) “I should actively participate in the rehabilitation process as appropriate”:
This reflects a realistic and positive approach to recovery. Active participation in rehabilitation is essential for maximizing recovery after a brain injury. The process involves setting attainable goals based on the patient’s current abilities and gradually working toward improving those functions.

A. I agree. Sometimes the adverse effect can be worse than the disease B. "Someone from the American Cancer Society will be here soon to answer your questions C. What is it about the adverse effects that concern you? D. I will have your provider discuss the adverse effects with you before the treatment begins

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) "I agree. Sometimes the adverse effects can be worse than the disease":
While it's important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's concerns, making this statement may not be helpful in this situation. It could unintentionally reinforce fear and anxiety, implying that the chemotherapy's side effects may be worse than the disease itself, which is not always the case. Instead, the nurse should engage the client in a discussion to explore the specific concerns, allowing for tailored support and information.

B) "Someone from the American Cancer Society will be here soon to answer your questions":
While the American Cancer Society can provide valuable support and resources, referring the client to someone else to answer their questions can feel dismissive. The nurse should take the opportunity to listen to the client’s concerns and provide immediate reassurance or information. Direct involvement in the discussion builds trust and allows for more immediate emotional and psychological support.

C) "What is it about the adverse effects that concern you?":
This response is the most appropriate as it encourages the client to express their specific concerns. By asking the client to clarify their worries, the nurse can provide more accurate information, address misunderstandings, and offer reassurance. This open-ended question helps the nurse understand the client's emotions and individual needs, which allows for a more personalized approach in managing anxiety and providing education about the chemotherapy treatment.
D) "I will have your provider discuss the adverse effects with you before the treatment begins":
While it is important for the healthcare provider to discuss the treatment plan and potential side effects, the nurse should not defer the conversation entirely. The nurse plays an essential role in providing ongoing support, educating the client, and answering questions. The nurse can start the conversation and provide information about the common side effects of chemotherapy, offering the opportunity for further discussion with the provider as needed. Deferring the conversation might leave the client feeling unsupported.

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 presents to the Emergency Department (ED) reporting right facial weakness. The nurse understands that a patient suffering from Bell's Palsy will exhibit which assessment findings related to the cranial nerve involvement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After sustaining a serious brain injury, the patient has recovered enough to be transferred to a rehabilitation unit for continued care. Which statement by the patient indicates that they understand realistic goal setting?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is to start chemotherapy treatment advanced breast cancer. She tells the nurse she is worried about the adverse effects of the treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is evaluating the outcomes for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which laboratory value reflects a positive outcome?

The nurse identifies that which patient with a burn injury most likely require endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy tube? The patient with:

A nurse is assessing a client who has mitral valve stenosis Which of the following findings should the nurse except?

The nurse understands the primary assessment for a patient following a major trauma:

A patient presents to the Emergency Department (ED) reporting right facial weakness. The nurse understands that a patient suffering from Bell's Palsy will exhibit which assessment findings related to the cranial nerve involvement?

The nurse is reviewing lab results for a client receiving chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. The nurse notes the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was previously 50 ng/ mL and is now 10 ng/mL (normal range 0-2.5 ng/mL) The nurse is aware this finding indicates the:

The client's arterial blood gases reveal the following results; pH 7.51. PaO2 80 mmHg, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3-24 mEq/L. 02 saturation 92%. The nurse interprets this blood gas result as

The neurologic assessment of a patient indicated impaired function of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 10) and the vagus nerve (C.N X). Based on these findings, the nurse plans to;