Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client who has low back pain reports that they are unable to void. The nurse notices a distended bladder on assessment. Which of the following is the likely cause of this client's low back pain?
A. Urinary disorder
A distended bladder can cause low back pain due to the pressure and stretching of the bladder wall, which is often related to a urinary disorder such as urinary retention or obstruction.
B. Stress fracture
A stress fracture is less likely to be the cause of low back pain associated with an inability to void and a distended bladder.
C. Nerve root pain
Nerve root pain typically presents with radiating pain down the leg rather than low back pain associated with urinary symptoms.
D. Renal cancer
Renal cancer could potentially cause low back pain, but it would not typically cause an inability to void or a distended bladder without other significant symptoms.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A distended bladder can cause low back pain due to the pressure and stretching of the bladder wall, which is often related to a urinary disorder such as urinary retention or obstruction.
Choice B reason: A stress fracture is less likely to be the cause of low back pain associated with an inability to void and a distended bladder.
Choice C reason: Nerve root pain typically presents with radiating pain down the leg rather than low back pain associated with urinary symptoms.
Choice D reason: Renal cancer could potentially cause low back pain, but it would not typically cause an inability to void or a distended bladder without other significant symptoms.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal disease and is receiving therapy with epoetin alfa. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse review for an indication of a therapeutic effect of the medication?
A. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy, which is used to treat anemia.
B. The hematocrit (Hct)
Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in red blood cell production, which would be reflected in an increased hematocrit level.
C. The platelet count
The platelet count is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy.
D. The leukocyte count
The leukocyte count is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy, which is used to treat anemia.
Choice B reason: Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis, leading to an increase in red blood cell production, which would be reflected in an increased hematocrit level.
Choice C reason: The platelet count is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy.
Choice D reason: The leukocyte count is not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy.
A nurse is caring for a client following his first hemodialysis treatment. The client reports a headache, nausea, and restlessness. The nurse should identify these findings as manifestations of which of the following complications?
A. Air embolism
Air embolism is a potential complication during hemodialysis, but it would likely present with more acute symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
B. Septicemia
Septicemia would typically present with fever and hypotension, not necessarily with headache, nausea, and restlessness.
C. Dialysis disequilibrium
Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome can occur after hemodialysis, especially after the first treatment, and is characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, and restlessness.
D. Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Air embolism is a potential complication during hemodialysis, but it would likely present with more acute symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Choice B reason: Septicemia would typically present with fever and hypotension, not necessarily with headache, nausea, and restlessness.
Choice C reason: Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome can occur after hemodialysis, especially after the first treatment, and is characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, and restlessness.
Choice D reason: Peritonitis is a complication associated with peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis.
A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?
A. Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to increased excretion of potassium, not retention.
B. Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy due to increased excretion of potassium in the urine.
C. Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia is not commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy.
D. Hypermagnesemia
Hypermagnesemia is not typically induced by corticosteroid therapy.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can lead to increased excretion of potassium, not retention.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy due to increased excretion of potassium in the urine.
Choice C reason: Hypomagnesemia is not commonly associated with corticosteroid therapy.
Choice D reason: Hypermagnesemia is not typically induced by corticosteroid therapy.