When assessing the left foot planter reflex of an adult client, the nurse observes an extension of the great toe and fanning of other toes. Which interpretation of this finding is accurate?

Normal reflex response for age.

Exaggerated reflex response.

Beginning meningeal irritation.

Pyramidal tract disease.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   An extension of the great toe and fanning of other toes is known as a positive Babinski sign, which is abnormal in adults. This response is typically seen in infants but indicates neurological damage or dysfunction in adults.
B.   An exaggerated reflex would usually refer to hyperreflexia, but the Babinski sign specifically involves the abnormal extension of the toes, not just an exaggerated reflex. This response is more associated with neurological damage than simple exaggeration.
C.   The Babinski sign can sometimes be associated with central nervous system issues, including meningeal irritation. However, meningeal irritation often involves other symptoms such as neck stiffness, fever, and photophobia, which are not mentioned here.
D.   A positive Babinski sign is a classic indication of pyramidal tract disease, which affects the corticospinal tract. This type of neurological dysfunction can be seen in conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain injury.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Tympany indicates the presence of gas within the intestines. This would not be expected over the liver area if there is hepatomegaly.
B. This is not an expected finding in hepatomegaly. Tympany is associated with air-filled structures, which would not be present over an enlarged liver.
C. A hollow sound is also indicative of air-filled organs like the intestines. It is not a sign of hepatomegaly, which would be characterized by dullness on percussion.
D. Dullness upon percussion outside the costal margins suggests an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly). This is due to the liver becoming larger and filling the space that normally contains air-filled organs like the intestines.

A. Record the findings in the client's record. B. Clean the ears to remove excess wax build up. C. Referral to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. D. Culture the white patches for possible fungal growth.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is an appropriate first step in documenting any unusual findings during the assessment. However, based on the presence of dense white patches, the nurse should consider a referral for further evaluation, rather than just recording the findings.
B. The dense white patches seen on the tympanic membrane are more likely related to past ear infections (such as tympanosclerosis) or other conditions, not excess wax. Cleaning the ears would not address the underlying cause and could potentially cause harm.
C. This could be a reasonable action if there were concerns about hearing loss. However, the tympanic membranes appear mostly normal apart from the white patches, so hearing loss is not strongly indicated by the findings alone. A referral might be premature unless hearing issues are suspected.
D. The dense white patches on the tympanic membranes could be indicative of tympanosclerosis, a benign condition related to previous infections or tube insertions, but fungal growth is not the most likely cause in this case.

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When assessing the left foot planter reflex of an adult client, the nurse observes an extension of the great toe and fanning of other toes. Which interpretation of this finding is accurate?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Explanation

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