A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports shoulder pain. Which of the following findings by the nurse indicates a rotator cuff injury?
Inability to abduct the arm at the shoulder.
Negative drop arm test.
Alteration in the contour of the joint.
A positive Tinel's sign.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The inability to abduct the arm at the shoulder is a classic sign of a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is responsible for stabilizing the shoulder joint and aiding in various movements, including abduction. When there is a tear or significant weakness in the rotator cuff muscles, especially the supraspinatus muscle, the patient may be unable to lift the arm away from the body or may experience pain while doing so.
Choice B reason:
A negative drop arm test would actually indicate that there is no rotator cuff injury. The drop arm test is performed by asking the patient to fully abduct the arm to 90 degrees and then slowly lower it. If the patient can control the motion and lower the arm smoothly, the test is negative. A positive drop arm test, where the patient cannot control the descent of the arm, would suggest a rotator cuff tear.
Choice C reason:
While an alteration in the contour of the joint may indicate some form of shoulder pathology, it is not specific to a rotator cuff injury. Changes in the contour could be due to various conditions, including dislocation, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal disorders.
Choice D reason:
A positive Tinel's sign is used to diagnose nerve compression or nerve damage, not rotator cuff injuries. It is performed by tapping over the course of a nerve to elicit a tingling sensation or pain in the distribution of the nerve. This sign is commonly associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing the leg under a heat lamp every 3 hours is not recommended for the treatment of cellulitis. Heat lamps can cause burns and excessive drying of the skin, which may worsen the condition.
Choice B reason:
Wrapping a warm, wet towel around the affected area is a safe and effective way to apply heat therapy for cellulitis. It can help improve blood flow and relieve discomfort without the risk of burns associated with dry heat sources.
Choice C reason:
Using a heating pad directly on the skin, especially when lying down, can increase the risk of burns and is not recommended for treating cellulitis. Heating pads can provide uneven heat and may exacerbate swelling and inflammation.
Choice D reason:
Soaking the leg in water is not typically advised for cellulitis, especially if there are open wounds or breaks in the skin. Immersion in water can introduce new bacteria to the affected area and potentially worsen the infection.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain relief in osteoarthritis. It is recommended for clients who have mild to moderate pain. It does not reduce inflammation but can be effective in managing pain without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs.
Choice B reason:
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is specifically a COX-2 inhibitor. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Celecoxib can be a good option for those who need an anti-inflammatory and may have a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other NSAIDs.
Choice C reason:
Ibuprofen, another NSAID, is effective in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is available over the counter and can be used for short-term pain management, but it should be used cautiously due to potential side effects, including gastrointestinal bleeding and cardiovascular risks.
Choice D reason:
Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant and is not typically used as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. It may be prescribed in cases where muscle spasms are present, but it does not directly address the joint pain or inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
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