When caring for a patient after lumbar spinal surgery, the nurse would immediately report which finding to the healthcare provider?
The patient has loss of sensation to the perineum, buttocks, inner thighs, and back of the legs.
The patient is nauseated and has not voided in 4 hours.
The patient reports mild low back pain.
The patient has a single episode of emesis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Loss of sensation to the perineum, buttocks, inner thighs, and back of the legs may indicate cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency. This condition involves compression of the spinal nerve roots and can lead to permanent neurological damage if not promptly addressed. Immediate medical intervention is critical.
Choice B rationale
Nausea and delayed voiding postoperatively are common, potentially due to anesthesia effects or limited mobility. While these findings warrant monitoring, they do not typically indicate an urgent issue unless prolonged or associated with other complications.
Choice C rationale
Mild low back pain is expected after lumbar spinal surgery due to manipulation of spinal structures. Pain management with prescribed analgesics and gradual mobilization is part of the standard postoperative care plan, and it does not usually necessitate immediate reporting.
Choice D rationale
A single episode of emesis can result from anesthesia effects or medication. Unless accompanied by persistent vomiting, signs of aspiration, or electrolyte imbalances, isolated emesis is not typically urgent and should be managed with antiemetics if necessary.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Insulin lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin that begins to lower blood glucose within 15 minutes of injection, with a peak effect occurring in 30 minutes to 1 hour. It mimics the insulin release following a meal, allowing for better postprandial glucose control.
Choice B rationale
Intermediate-acting insulin, such as NPH, has an onset of 1.5 to 4 hours and provides blood glucose control over an extended period. Insulin lispro does not fit this profile, as it acts quickly and is used for meal-time glucose management.
Choice C rationale
Long-acting insulins, such as glargine or detemir, have no peak and provide basal glucose control for 24 hours or more. Lispro is not suitable for basal control due to its rapid action and short duration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Biologic response modifiers are primarily used for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis due to their ability to target specific components of the immune system. They are not standard for osteoarthritis, as OA is a degenerative joint disease without a significant autoimmune component. These treatments do not address the inflammation or pain related to OA effectively.
Choice B rationale
Opiates are used for severe, short-term pain management but carry risks such as addiction and tolerance. They do not address the underlying inflammation in osteoarthritis. Long-term use is generally avoided for OA as safer options like NSAIDs are more effective for managing chronic symptoms without these risks.
Choice C rationale
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are more effective for autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. OA lacks the autoimmune pathology targeted by DMARDs, making them unsuitable for managing OA symptoms like pain or stiffness.
Choice D rationale
NSAIDs are the first-line therapy for OA as they effectively reduce both inflammation and pain associated with the condition. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes, NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin production, leading to improved joint function and symptom control, making them the most common choice for OA symptom management.
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.