After completing a neurological assessment, the nurse documents that the client is stuporous. Which of the following describes this level of consciousness?
Minimal movement, verbal responses limited to sounds, awakens briefly only with extreme vigorous stimulation.
Extremely drowsy, minimally responsive, limited ability to follow commands, vigorous stimulation needed to waken.
Alert and oriented x3, sluggish, drowsy, wakes to voice or gentle shaking.
Does not respond to verbal stimuli, does not speak, decorticate/decerebrate posturing in response to pain.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this describes a stupor, which is a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced responsiveness. A stuporous client shows minimal movement and verbal responses and requires extreme vigorous stimulation such as painful stimuli to awaken briefly.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this describes obtundation, which is a state of reduced alertness or awareness. An obtunded client is extremely drowsy and minimally responsive and requires vigorous stimulation such as shaking or shouting to wake.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this describes lethargy, which is a state of decreased energy or activity. A lethargic client is alert and oriented x3 (to person, place, and time), but sluggish and drowsy, and wakes to voice or gentle shaking.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this describes a coma, which is a state of deep unconsciousness or unresponsiveness. A comatose client does not respond to verbal stimuli or speak and shows abnormal posturing in response to pain, such as decorticate (flexion of arms and extension of legs) or decerebrate (extension of arms and legs).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because nystagmus is not a response to stimuli, but a condition that causes involuntary eye movements. Nystagmus can be caused by various factors, such as inner ear disorders, brain lesions, or drug toxicity, but not necessarily by cervical spine injury.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because decorticate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the cerebral cortex or the corticospinal tract. Decorticate positioning is characterized by flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. It does not indicate cervical spine injury, which affects the spinal cord below the brainstem.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because lack of any response to stimuli can indicate various levels of brain damage or coma, but not specifically cervical spine injury. Lack of any response can also be influenced by other factors, such as sedation, hypothermia, or shock.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because decerebrate positioning is a response to stimuli that indicates damage to the brainstem or the upper cervical spine. Decerebrate positioning is characterized by extension and outward rotation of the arms and legs. It indicates a severe and life-threatening injury that can impair vital functions, such as breathing and blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice because a complete spinal cord injury is a condition where there is no motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will also have impaired thermoregulation, breathing, and blood pressure. The client will need 24-hour a day care to assist with mobility, hygiene, elimination, nutrition, and prevention of complications.
Choice B) Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to assist with transfer and perform self-care has a partial spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A partial spinal cord injury is a condition where there is some motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The degree of impairment depends on the extent and location of the damage.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to roll over independently has a lower spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A lower spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the lumbar or sacral segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia) and some loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will still have some control over the upper limbs and trunk.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to drive an electric wheelchair has an upper spinal cord injury, not a complete one. An upper spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the cervical or thoracic segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. However, the client may still have some movement or sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
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