When preparing to test a client for meningeal irritation, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to do first?
Assess for Kerning and Burzinski signs.
Ensure no injury to the cervical spine
Check for a Babinski reflex
Position the client prone
The Correct Answer is B
A) Assess for Kernig and Brudzinski signs: Kernig and Brudzinski signs are used to test for meningeal irritation, often associated with conditions like meningitis. However, these tests should not be performed if there is a risk of spinal injury, as they could potentially exacerbate any existing cervical spine injury.
B) Ensure no injury to the cervical spine: Before performing tests that involve neck movements, such as those for meningeal irritation, it is crucial to ensure that there is no existing cervical spine injury. Performing such tests on a client with a cervical spine injury could lead to further harm. Therefore, checking for cervical spine stability and injury is the most important initial step.
C) Check for a Babinski reflex: The Babinski reflex is used to assess neurological function but is not specifically related to detecting meningeal irritation. It is not the immediate priority when evaluating for possible cervical spine injury.
D) Position the client prone: Positioning the client prone is not relevant for assessing meningeal irritation and may not be appropriate depending on the client’s condition. The focus should be on ensuring the client's safety and stability before performing specific physical tests.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Glenohumeral joint: The glenohumeral joint is the shoulder joint. Pain with chewing is unlikely to be related to issues with the shoulder joint, as this joint is not involved in the chewing process.
B. Sternoclavicular joint: The sternoclavicular joint is where the clavicle meets the sternum. Problems here might affect shoulder and chest movement, but they would not typically cause pain specifically related to chewing.
C. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The TMJ is directly involved in the movement of the jaw, which is essential for chewing. Chronic pain during chewing often indicates a problem with the TMJ, such as TMJ disorder, which can cause pain, clicking, and other issues when moving the jaw.
D. Acromioclavicular joint: The acromioclavicular joint is located at the top of the shoulder where the clavicle meets the acromion of the scapula. This joint primarily affects shoulder movement, not chewing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Romberg test: The Romberg test is used to assess a person’s balance and proprioception by asking them to stand with their eyes closed. It does not evaluate the patency of the ulnar and radial arteries.
B) Rapid alternating movement test: The rapid alternating movement test evaluates motor function and coordination by asking the patient to perform tasks like rapidly alternating hand movements. This test is not related to assessing arterial patency.
C) Tinel test: The Tinel test is used to detect nerve compression or irritation by tapping over a nerve, such as the median nerve at the wrist, to see if it elicits a tingling sensation. It does not assess the patency of the ulnar and radial arteries.
D) Allen test: The Allen test is specifically designed to evaluate the patency of the ulnar and radial arteries. It involves occluding both arteries at the wrist while the patient makes a fist and then releasing one artery to assess blood flow to the hand. This test ensures that there is adequate blood supply to the hand if one of the arteries is compromised.
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