Which initial assessment finding(s) would the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?
Petechiae and epistaxis
Generalized edema and rash
Alopecia and pallor
Bradycardia and lethargy
The Correct Answer is A
A. Petechiae (small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin) and epistaxis (nosebleeds) result from thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count often seen in leukemia. The compromised bone marrow function leads to inadequate production of platelets, resulting in bleeding and bruising.
B. While generalized edema and rash can occur in various conditions, they are not specific to ALL and are not common initial findings. Edema might be seen in certain contexts (e.g., renal involvement or fluid overload), but it is not a hallmark of ALL.
C. Alopecia (hair loss) and pallor (paleness) can occur in clients undergoing chemotherapy for ALL, but they are not typically initial findings at the time of diagnosis. Pallor may result from anemia, which can develop as a consequence of the disease, but it is not the most immediate or characteristic symptom of ALL.
D. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and lethargy are not typical initial findings of ALL. Lethargy could be present due to anemia or other systemic effects, but bradycardia is not commonly associated with the disease and would require further investigation for other underlying causes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. Common symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, confusion, difficulty speaking, and visual disturbances. However, "thunderclap" headache and neck stiffness are not typical symptoms of an ischemic stroke.
B. A TIA, often referred to as a "mini-stroke," produces similar symptoms to a stroke but lasts for a short duration (typically less than 24 hours) and does not cause permanent damage. Symptoms can include weakness, speech difficulties, and visual changes, but again, "thunderclap" headache and neck stiffness are not characteristic of a TIA.
C. A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding into the space between the brain and the tissues covering it, often due to a ruptured aneurysm. A "thunderclap" headache, described as an extremely sudden and severe headache, is a hallmark of this condition.
D. A cardioembolic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain. Symptoms are similar to those of an ischemic stroke and do not typically include a "thunderclap" headache or neck stiffness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A carotid endarterectomy does not involve bypassing the plaques; rather, it directly addresses the blockage.
B. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the neck to access the carotid artery, where the surgeon removes the atherosclerotic plaques that are causing narrowing and restricting blood flow. This helps reduce the risk of stroke.
C. Carotid endarterectomy is not brain surgery; it is performed on the carotid arteries in the neck. The procedure aims to prevent strokes by improving blood flow to the brain, but it does not involve surgery on the brain itself.
D. This description does not accurately reflect carotid endarterectomy. The procedure does not involve resecting an artery in the brain or using a graft; rather, it focuses on removing plaques from the carotid artery in the neck.
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