The client presents to the nurse stating that his jaws feel "stuck". What joint should the nurse assess?
Sternoclavicular
Temporomandibular
Subtalar
Radioulnar
The Correct Answer is B
A. The sternoclavicular joint is where the sternum (breastbone) meets the clavicle (collarbone). It plays a role in the movement of the shoulder girdle but does not involve the jaw. Issues with this joint would typically present as shoulder or chest discomfort rather than problems with the jaw.
B. The temporomandibular joint is the joint where the mandible (lower jaw) meets the temporal bone of the skull, just in front of the ear. It is crucial for jaw movement, including opening, closing, and chewing. If a client feels that their jaws are "stuck," it is likely related to a problem with the TMJ. Common issues include TMJ disorders, which can cause pain, limited movement, or a sensation of the jaw being stuck.
C. The subtalar joint is located in the ankle, between the talus and calcaneus bones. It is involved in the movement of the foot, particularly in inversion and eversion. This joint is unrelated to jaw function, so problems here would affect the foot rather than the jaw.
D. The radioulnar joints are located in the forearm and involve the radius and ulna bones. These joints are responsible for the rotation of the forearm, such as turning the palm up or down. They do not relate to jaw movement or problems, so issues with these joints would affect the forearm or wrist rather than the jaw.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The glossopharyngeal nerve is involved in several functions, including taste sensation on the posterior third of the tongue, salivation, and the sensation of the pharynx. It also plays a role in swallowing and gag reflex. However, it is not responsible for the movement of the jaw or clenching of the jaw.
B. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation in the face and also controls the muscles of mastication (chewing). It has both sensory and motor functions. The motor branches of the trigeminal nerve, specifically the mandibular division, innervate the muscles that allow for jaw movement, including clenching.
C. The vagus nerve has a broad range of functions, including regulating heart rate, digestive tract motility, and some aspects of speech and swallowing. It does not control jaw movement or clenching, so it is not relevant to this observation.
D. The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, including movements like smiling, frowning, and closing the eyes. It is not involved in the motor control of the jaw or clenching actions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The obturator sign is used to assess for appendicitis, not meningitis. To perform this test, the patient’s right knee is flexed to 90 degrees, and the nurse rotates the hip internally and externally. Pain during this maneuver can indicate irritation of the obturator muscle, which is associated with inflammation of the appendix.
B. The Brudzinski sign is a clinical test used to assess meningeal irritation. When the patient’s neck is passively flexed while lying supine, a positive Brudzinski sign is indicated if the patient involuntarily flexes their knees and hips in response to neck pain. This sign is often seen in meningitis as a result of irritation of the meninges.
C. The Phalen sign is used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient flexes their wrists and holds the position for a period of time to see if symptoms of numbness or tingling appear in the fingers, which would indicate median nerve compression at the wrist. This sign is unrelated to meningitis.
D. The Tinel sign is also used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and other peripheral nerve issues. It involves tapping on the nerve (such as the median nerve at the wrist) to see if it causes tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation along the nerve’s distribution. Like the Phalen sign, it is not related to meningitis.
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