When preparing to test a client for meningeal irritation, what would the nurse do first?
Check for a Babinski reflex
Position the client prone
Ensure no injury to the cervical spine
Check for evidence of fever and chills
The Correct Answer is C
A. The Babinski reflex is a test used to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract and is particularly useful in evaluating neurological function in infants and adults with neurological conditions. However, it is not specifically related to testing for meningeal irritation.
B. Positioning the client prone (lying on their stomach) is not typically used when testing for meningeal irritation. The tests for meningeal irritation, such as the Brudzinski sign and Kernig sign, are performed with the client in a supine (lying on their back) position to accurately assess reactions to neck flexion and leg movements.
C. Before performing tests for meningeal irritation, such as neck flexion, it is important to ensure that the client does not have an injury to the cervical spine. If there is a possibility of cervical spine injury, performing neck flexion could exacerbate the injury. Ensuring that there is no cervical spine injury helps to avoid causing harm and ensures a safe examination.
D. While fever and chills can be associated with infections that may cause meningeal irritation (such as meningitis), checking for these symptoms is not the first step in assessing meningeal irritation itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between bones and soft tissues. It typically causes localized pain and tenderness in the area of the bursa, often in the shoulders, elbows, or hips.
B. Meningitis is an infection or inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It often presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia. The neck stiffness, particularly difficulty flexing the head forward (nuchal rigidity), is a classic sign.
C. Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spine. It can present with chronic back pain and stiffness but is typically associated with long-term symptoms rather than acute systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic back pain and stiffness but are less likely to present with acute fever and headache.
D. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints. While arthritis can affect the neck (cervical spine arthritis), it typically does not present with systemic symptoms such as fever and chills unless there is an associated infection or inflammatory process.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Subcutaneous nodules are lumps or masses that can occur beneath the skin, sometimes seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
B. Crepitus refers to a crackling or popping sound heard or felt during joint movement. It is often associated with osteoarthritis or other joint conditions.
C. Warmth or increased temperature over the joint area is a common sign of inflammation. It occurs because inflammation increases blood flow to the affected area.
D. Swelling, or edema, is the accumulation of fluid in the joint space or surrounding tissues. It is a clear sign of inflammation and can be due to increased fluid production or leakage from blood vessels.
E. Redness, or erythema, around the joint is a result of increased blood flow to the area due to inflammation. It is often accompanied by warmth.
F. Tenderness refers to pain or discomfort in the joint area when touched or palpated. It indicates an inflammatory process in the joint.
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