The nurse reviews test results for a client and notes that the lymph node biopsy shows the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The nurse knows this finding is indicative of which condition?

Choice A reason: Inflammation of white matter in the brain and spinal cord is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the transmission of nerve impulses, not the perception of sensory stimuli. White matter is the part of the nervous system that consists of myelinated axons, which are the extensions of nerve cells that carry electrical signals from one cell to another. Inflammation of white matter can be caused by various factors, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or trauma, and can result in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

Choice B reason: Increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain stem is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the regulation of muscle tone, not the perception of sensory stimuli. GABA is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means that it reduces the activity of the nerve cells that it binds to. GABA is mainly found in the brain stem, which is the part of the brain that connects the spinal cord to the cerebrum and cerebellum, and controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Increased levels of GABA in the brain stem can cause symptoms such as spasticity, rigidity, or tremors.

Choice C reason: Decreased levels of endorphins in the pons and medulla is not the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the modulation of pain, not the perception of sensory stimuli. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers, by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and blocking the transmission of pain signals. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which are parts of the brain that regulate the hormonal and nervous systems. The pons and the medulla are parts of the brain stem that are involved in the control of voluntary and involuntary movements, such as chewing, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, and blinking. Decreased levels of endorphins in the pons and the medulla can cause symptoms such as increased sensitivity to pain, anxiety, or depression.

Choice D reason: Hypoxia and necrosis of the parietal lobe neurons is the best explanation because it is a condition that affects the processing of sensory stimuli, such as touch, pain, temperature, and position. The parietal lobe is the part of the cerebrum that is responsible for integrating and interpreting sensory information from different parts of the body. The parietal lobe is divided into two hemispheres, each corresponding to the opposite side of the body. A left-sided intracerebral hemorrhage is a condition where a blood vessel in the left parietal lobe ruptures, causing bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue. This can damage the neurons, which are the nerve cells that communicate with each other and form the basis of the nervous system. Hypoxia and necrosis of the parietal lobe neurons can cause symptoms such as loss of sensation, neglect, or agnosia on the right side of the body.

Choice A reason: Uric acid is the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the blood has a high level of uric acid, which is a waste product that results from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in some foods and drinks, such as meat, seafood, and beer. Uric acid can form crystals in the joints, causing inflammation and pain, which is known as gout. Uric acid can also form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can block the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as severe pain, blood in the urine, nausea, and fever.

Choice B reason: Struvite is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of ammonia, which is a chemical that results from the breakdown of urea, which is a waste product that is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Ammonia can form crystals in the urine, along with magnesium, phosphate, and carbonate, creating struvite stones, which are large and staghorn-shaped stones that can fill the entire kidney or the ureter. Struvite stones are usually associated with urinary tract infections, which are caused by bacteria that produce enzymes that increase the urine pH and the ammonia level.

Choice C reason: Cystine is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of cystine, which is an amino acid that is a building block of proteins. Cystine can form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are rare and hereditary. Cystine stones are caused by a genetic disorder that affects the transport of cystine and other amino acids in the kidneys, resulting in excessive excretion of cystine in the urine.

Choice D reason: Calcium oxalate is not the most common type of renal calculi in clients with gout because it is a condition where the urine has a high level of calcium and oxalate, which are substances that are normally present in the diet and the body. Calcium and oxalate can form crystals in the urine, causing kidney stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones in the general population, but not in clients with gout. Calcium oxalate stones can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, high intake of animal protein, low intake of fluids, and certain medications.