On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which is the best response by the nurse?

"It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."

"You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."

"No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."

"Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."

This response is appropriate. Spinal shock can initially obscure the extent of neurological injury, and it may take time for the full extent of the injury to become apparent. By acknowledging this and suggesting that more information will be available once spinal shock subsides, the nurse provides a realistic perspective without prematurely predicting the outcome.

B. "You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."

This response may come across as dismissive or evasive. While it is true that the physician ultimately determines the patient's prognosis, the family may be seeking reassurance and guidance from the nurse as well.

C. "No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."

This response is overly optimistic and potentially misleading. While some improvement may occur in the days following a spinal cord injury, significant recovery of function within a few days is unlikely, especially in cases of flaccid paralysis of all extremities.

D. "Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

This response is overly pessimistic and lacks sensitivity. It may unnecessarily distress the family and extinguish hope for the patient's recovery.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "These drugs inhibit the action of acetylcholine":

This response is accurate. Anticholinergic medications work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in various functions in the body, including muscle control. In Parkinson's disease, there is an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. By inhibiting the action of acetylcholine, anticholinergic drugs help rebalance neurotransmitter activity and alleviate some of the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

B. "These drugs help you urinate":

This statement is not directly related to the use of anticholinergic medications in Parkinson's disease. While some anticholinergic drugs can indeed relax the smooth muscle of the bladder and improve urinary symptoms, this is not the primary indication for their use in Parkinson's disease.

C. "These drugs will decrease your eye pressure":

While anticholinergic medications can be used to dilate the pupils and decrease intraocular pressure, this is not typically the reason for their use in Parkinson's disease. While some anticholinergic medications may have ocular effects, they are primarily used to address motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

D. "These drugs will assist in lowering your heart rate":

While some anticholinergic medications may have effects on heart rate by blocking parasympathetic nervous system activity, this is not the primary indication for their use in Parkinson's disease. The focus of anticholinergic therapy in Parkinson's disease is primarily on addressing motor symptoms rather than cardiovascular effects.

A. Aura phase B. Presence of automatisms C. Postictal phase D. Presence of absence seizures

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Aura phase:

The aura phase occurs before the seizure and is characterized by subjective sensations or experiences that some individuals may have. It serves as a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur. This phase precedes the seizure itself and is not applicable to the period immediately afterward.

B. Presence of automatisms:

Automatisms refer to repetitive, involuntary movements or actions that some individuals may exhibit during certain types of seizures, such as complex partial seizures. They are not typically observed during the postictal phase of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.

C. Postictal phase:

The postictal phase, also known as the postictal state, refers to the period following a seizure during which the individual may experience confusion, drowsiness, or other altered states of consciousness. This phase typically lasts for minutes to hours and is characterized by gradual recovery of normal function.

D. Presence of absence seizures:

Absence seizures are characterized by brief episodes of altered consciousness, often manifesting as staring spells or momentary loss of awareness. They are distinct from generalized tonic-clonic seizures and do not involve the same postictal phase characterized by drowsiness and altered arousal.

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On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which is the best response by the nurse?

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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