The nurse assessing the client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) would expect which of the following assessment findings?
Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia
Facial pain and ptosis
Diarrhea and nausea
Ecchymosis and petechiae
The Correct Answer is A
A. Muscle rigidity and bradykinesia: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a combination of motor symptoms due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The hallmark motor symptoms include muscle rigidity (stiffness of muscles, making movement difficult) and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). These symptoms are typically present early in the disease and can lead to difficulties with daily activities such as walking, speaking, and performing fine motor tasks. These two signs are primary indicators of Parkinson's disease.
B. Facial pain and ptosis: Facial pain and ptosis (drooping eyelids) are not typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease. PD can affect facial expression (resulting in a masked face), but it does not usually cause facial pain. Ptosis is more commonly seen in conditions like Horner's syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or as a side effect of medications, but it is not a hallmark symptom of Parkinson's disease.
C. Diarrhea and nausea: While gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation can be seen in Parkinson's disease due to autonomic dysfunction and decreased gut motility, diarrhea and nausea are not typical primary symptoms. In fact, constipation is a more common issue in PD. Nausea could result from the use of medications like levodopa, but it is not a defining feature of the disease itself.
D. Ecchymosis and petechiae: Ecchymosis (bruising) and petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin) are not characteristic of Parkinson's disease. These findings are more often associated with platelet disorders, bleeding disorders, or vascular conditions. While Parkinson's disease can involve complications like falls (which could lead to bruising), these are not direct symptoms of the disease itself. The primary symptoms involve motor and autonomic dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Explanation of each option:
A. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute:
A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute would be too slow in a patient with ARDS and hypoxemia. In response to hypoxemia, the body typically increases the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation. A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute would not be expected in this situation.
B. Respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute: The arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate respiratory alkalosis with hypoxemia, which is a common finding in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). pH 7.59: This is alkalotic, meaning the body is experiencing respiratory alkalosis.
PaCO2 29 mmHg: The PaCO2 is low, indicating hyperventilation, which is a compensatory response to the alkalosis in an attempt to reduce carbon dioxide levels.
PaO2 55 mmHg: This is severely low, indicating hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), a hallmark of ARDS. HCO3 22 mEq/L: The bicarbonate is normal, suggesting that the metabolic component has not yet compensated for the respiratory alkalosis, or that it is in the early stages of compensation. Given these ABG results, the body is attempting to compensate for hypoxemia by increasing respiratory rate (tachypnea), which leads to hyperventilation and further reduction in PaCO2. Therefore, an expected assessment finding in this scenario would be a high respiratory rate (such as 32 breaths per minute), which is a compensatory response to hypoxemia.
C. Blood pressure 86/42 mmHg:
While hypotension can occur in severe cases of ARDS due to impaired oxygenation and circulation, it is not directly reflected by the ABG results provided. Hypoxemia and alkalosis would more likely lead to tachypnea and compensatory mechanisms like tachycardia, rather than significant hypotension unless there is another contributing factor, such as shock or sepsis. Therefore, hypotension is not the most expected finding based on these ABGs.
D. Heart rate of 45 beats per minute:
A heart rate of 45 beats per minute is bradycardic, which would be unusual in a patient with hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis. Tachycardia is a more common compensatory response to hypoxia, as the heart works harder to improve oxygen delivery to tissues. A heart rate of 45 beats per minute would be more suggestive of a different underlying condition, such as vagal stimulation or cardiac conduction issues, but it is not the expected response in this case.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Call for the rapid response team and request a portable chest x-ray: While it is important to call for help and obtain imaging if needed, the immediate action is to address the potential pneumothorax by sealing the wound. The rapid response team and chest x-ray are necessary for further assessment, but securing the wound is the priority in the moment.
B. Turn the suction drainage system off and auscultate breath sounds: Turning off the suction drainage system and auscultating breath sounds may be part of subsequent assessment and care, but these actions are secondary to stopping the entry of air into the pleural space. Auscultating breath sounds would be important after the chest tube is secured to assess for signs of pneumothorax or other complications, but it is not the first priority.
C. Apply a sterile dressing and tape on three sides: The first priority when a chest tube becomes accidentally dislodged is to seal the wound to prevent air from entering the pleural space, which could cause a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). The correct method to seal the chest tube insertion site is to apply a sterile dressing and tape it on three sides. This technique allows air to escape from the pleural space but prevents air from entering, creating a temporary "one-way valve" effect. This is crucial in stabilizing the patient until further medical intervention can be provided. The fourth side of the dressing is left open to allow for air to escape, which helps prevent a tension pneumothorax
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately: While notifying the healthcare provider is important, securing the wound to prevent further air entry is the immediate priority. Notifying the provider can occur after the dressing is applied. Prompt action to stabilize the chest tube site is crucial to prevent further respiratory distress or complications.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
