The nurse identifies a patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of herpes simplex infection as being at risk for Bell's palsy. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the patient?
"You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly."
"Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset."
"Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear."
"Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly." Regular facial exercises have not been proven to prevent Bell's palsy. In fact, excessive facial exercises could potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
B. "Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset." While early treatment with antiviral medications may be beneficial in some cases, it is not accurate to say that medications only work if started before paralysis onset. Treatment can still be effective even after the onset of symptoms, although it may not be as effective as when started early.
C. "Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear." This is important information because Bell's palsy has been associated with reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. Pain or the development of herpes lesions near the ear could indicate impending or active Bell's palsy, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.
D. "Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy." While antiviral medications can reduce the risk of herpes simplex virus reactivation, there is no guarantee that prophylactic treatment will prevent Bell's palsy. However, prompt treatment of herpes outbreaks may help reduce the risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Nuchal rigidity is a sign of meningitis but not specifically indicative of increased ICP.
B. Restlessness can be a sign of increased ICP due to reduced cerebral perfusion.
C. Photophobia is a common symptom of meningitis but does not directly indicate increased ICP.
D. Positive Kernig's sign is another indicator of meningitis but, like nuchal rigidity, it is not specific to increased ICP.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer an oral analgesic: Administering analgesics may provide relief from pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of the headache and stiff neck. Assessing the client's neurological status is the priority to determine the severity and potential cause of the symptoms.
B. Perform a complete blood count: While laboratory tests may be necessary to further evaluate the client, they are not the first action to take when the client presents with symptoms suggestive of a neurological emergency such as meningitis. Assessing the client's neurological status and ruling out serious conditions take precedence.
C. Evaluate the client's neurological status: Assessing the client's neurological status, including level of consciousness, motor and sensory function, and signs of meningeal irritation (such as neck stiffness), is crucial for identifying potential neurological emergencies such as meningitis and guiding further management.
D. Check the client's temperature: While obtaining vital signs, including temperature, is important in the assessment of a client with suspected meningitis, it is not the first action to take. Assessing the client's neurological status and initiating appropriate interventions based on the findings are the priority.
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