The patient has been admitted to the hospital for an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). She reports pain in her neck and left arm. Which type of pain is this?
Cutaneous pain
Referred pain
Somatic pain
Visceral pain
The Correct Answer is B
A. Cutaneous pain: This pain originates from the superficial skin layers or subcutaneous tissues and is typically sharp or burning. It is localized to the site of stimulation, such as a laceration or a minor thermal burn. It does not explain the radiating discomfort from a deep internal organ like the heart.
B. Referred pain: This phenomenon occurs when pain is perceived at a site different from its actual biological point of origin. Sensory fibers from the viscera and somatic structures enter the spinal cord at the same segmental level. The brain misinterprets the visceral signals from the myocardium as coming from the neck or arm.
C. Somatic pain: Deep somatic pain arises from sources such as blood vessels, joints, tendons, muscles, and bone. It is usually described as a dull, aching sensation that is better localized than visceral pain. It involves the musculoskeletal framework rather than the autonomic sensory pathways associated with cardiac ischemia.
D. Visceral pain: This pain originates from the larger internal organs, such as the stomach, intestine, or the heart itself. While the underlying cause of a myocardial infarction is visceral, the specific report of neck and arm pain describes the secondary perception. The term referred pain more accurately describes the location-based clinical manifestation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Production of red blood cells: Hematopoiesis occurs within the red bone marrow found in the epiphyses of long bones and the cavities of flat bones. This process is responsible for the continuous generation of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes. It is a critical physiological role of the skeletal component of the system.
B. Protection of organs: The skeletal structure provides a rigid framework that encases and shields vulnerable internal viscera from mechanical trauma. Examples include the cranium protecting the brain and the thoracic cage safeguarding the heart and lungs. This structural barrier is essential for the survival of vital organs.
C. Energy production: While muscles utilize adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for contraction, the musculoskeletal system is not a primary site for the biochemical production of energy. Energy synthesis via cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of all cells, primarily fueled by glucose and lipids. It is a metabolic process rather than a system function.
D. Movement/mobility: Muscles act as the primary engines of the body by contracting and pulling on bones to create levers across joints. This allows for both gross motor activities like walking and fine motor tasks such as writing. It is the most visible and fundamental function of the musculoskeletal system.
E. Reservoir for minerals: Bone tissue serves as a dynamic storage site for essential minerals, specifically calcium and phosphorus. The skeletal system releases these minerals into the bloodstream as needed to maintain homeostatic levels for nerve conduction and muscle contraction. It acts as a biological bank for mineral electrolytes.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Restrict fluid intake at night: Limiting fluids can lead to systemic dehydration and the formation of hard, dry stools that are difficult to evacuate. While it might reduce nocturia, it counteracts the goal of softening fecal matter for easier passage. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining regular bowel motility in the elderly.
B. Ensure easy access to the toilet: Functional mobility issues often lead to the suppression of the urge to defecate, contributing to chronic constipation. Providing a clear path or bedside commode encourages the patient to respond promptly to physiological signals. This behavioral intervention supports the maintenance of a regular and healthy elimination schedule.
C. Eat raw fruits and vegetables: These food groups are high in insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to the stool and stimulates peristalsis. Fiber increases the speed of colonic transit and prevents the excessive absorption of water by the colon. Increasing dietary roughage is a primary non-pharmacological treatment for managing geriatric constipation.
D. Increase physical activity: Regular movement stimulates the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, promoting the forward movement of intestinal contents. Sedentary behavior is a major contributing factor to bowel stasis in the aging population. Walking or light exercise helps maintain the mechanical efficiency of the digestive system.
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