Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has a transection of the spinal cord at the level of cervical 7. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse anticipate?
A. The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury.
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury is correct. This is a characteristic finding of a complete spinal cord injury, where there is total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This pattern is often seen in injuries involving the cervical spinal cord, such as at the level of C7.
B. The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury.
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding would be more indicative of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained movement below the level of injury.
C. The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury.
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is not typically associated with a spinal cord injury at the level of C7. With a transection of the spinal cord at this level, there is typically complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
D. The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the Injury.
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is more consistent with an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there may be partial preservation of sensory function but no motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained sensation below the level of injury.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Medical Surgical Proctored Exam 1. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client has no sensation or movement below the level of the injury is correct. This is a characteristic finding of a complete spinal cord injury, where there is total loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury. This pattern is often seen in injuries involving the cervical spinal cord, such as at the level of C7.
Choice B Reason:
The client has some movement but no sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding would be more indicative of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there is partial preservation of sensory or motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained movement below the level of injury.
Choice C Reason:
The client has some movement and also some sensation below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is not typically associated with a spinal cord injury at the level of C7. With a transection of the spinal cord at this level, there is typically complete loss of sensory and motor function below the level of the injury.
Choice D Reason:
The client has some sensation but no movement below the level of the injury is incorrect. This finding is more consistent with an incomplete spinal cord injury, where there may be partial preservation of sensory function but no motor function below the level of the injury. However, with a transection of the spinal cord at C7, it is less likely for the client to have retained sensation below the level of injury.
Similar Questions
A nurse is teaching a client who has multiple sclerosis about factors that can worsen their manifestations. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Flying
Flying itself is not typically considered a factor that worsens MS manifestations. However, factors related to flying, such as stress, fatigue, changes in routine, and potential exposure to infections, may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
B. Sunbathing
Sunbathing is appropriate. Exposure to excessive heat, such as sunbathing or prolonged exposure to hot weather, can lead to temporary worsening of MS symptoms, a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's phenomenon. Increased body temperature can temporarily impair nerve conduction in individuals with MS, resulting in exacerbation of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, sensory disturbances, and cognitive impairment.
C. Working in an office
Working in an office is inappropriate. Working in an office environment is not inherently associated with exacerbation of MS manifestations. However, factors such as stress, fatigue, poor ergonomic conditions, and limited mobility during prolonged periods of sitting may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
D. High altitude travel
High altitude travel is inappropriate. High altitude travel can exacerbate MS symptoms due to the decreased oxygen levels and potential changes in barometric pressure at high altitudes. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) at high altitudes may exacerbate fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment in individuals with MS. Changes in barometric pressure can also trigger or worsen symptoms such as headaches, sensory disturbances, and balance problems in some individuals with MS.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flying itself is not typically considered a factor that worsens MS manifestations. However, factors related to flying, such as stress, fatigue, changes in routine, and potential exposure to infections, may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
Choice B Reason:
Sunbathing is appropriate. Exposure to excessive heat, such as sunbathing or prolonged exposure to hot weather, can lead to temporary worsening of MS symptoms, a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's phenomenon. Increased body temperature can temporarily impair nerve conduction in individuals with MS, resulting in exacerbation of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, sensory disturbances, and cognitive impairment.
Choice C Reason:
Working in an office is inappropriate. Working in an office environment is not inherently associated with exacerbation of MS manifestations. However, factors such as stress, fatigue, poor ergonomic conditions, and limited mobility during prolonged periods of sitting may contribute to symptom exacerbation in some individuals with MS.
Choice D Reason:
High altitude travel is inappropriate. High altitude travel can exacerbate MS symptoms due to the decreased oxygen levels and potential changes in barometric pressure at high altitudes. Hypoxia (low oxygen levels) at high altitudes may exacerbate fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment in individuals with MS. Changes in barometric pressure can also trigger or worsen symptoms such as headaches, sensory disturbances, and balance problems in some individuals with MS.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury at the fourth cervical level. Which of the following mobility options should the nurse anticipate for this client?
A. Manual wheelchair
Manual wheelchair is inappropriate. A manual wheelchair requires the use of the client's upper extremities to propel the wheelchair forward by pushing on the wheels. With a spinal cord injury at the fourth cervical level, the client may have limited or no function in their upper extremities, making it difficult to self-propel a manual wheelchair.
B. Sip-and-puff device
Sip-and-puff device is appropriate. A sip-and-puff device allows individuals with limited or no hand function to control a powered wheelchair using their breath. This device enables the client to navigate the wheelchair by inhaling or exhaling into a straw-like device, which activates controls to move the wheelchair forward, backward, and turn.
C. Drive-adapted wheelchair
Drive-adapted wheelchair is inappropriate. A drive-adapted wheelchair is a powered wheelchair that can be modified with adaptive controls to accommodate individuals with limited hand function or mobility. These wheelchairs may include joystick controls, head arrays, chin controls, or other adaptive devices that allow the client to operate the wheelchair independently despite limited hand function.
D. Ultra-light wheelchairs
Ultra-light wheelchairs is inappropriate. Ultra-light wheelchairs are manual wheelchairs that are lightweight and often customized to fit the client's specific needs and preferences. While ultra-light wheelchairs may offer advantages in terms of maneuverability and ease of transportation, they still require sufficient upper extremity function to self-propel the wheelchair.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Manual wheelchair is inappropriate. A manual wheelchair requires the use of the client's upper extremities to propel the wheelchair forward by pushing on the wheels. With a spinal cord injury at the fourth cervical level, the client may have limited or no function in their upper extremities, making it difficult to self-propel a manual wheelchair.
Choice B Reason:
Sip-and-puff device is appropriate. A sip-and-puff device allows individuals with limited or no hand function to control a powered wheelchair using their breath. This device enables the client to navigate the wheelchair by inhaling or exhaling into a straw-like device, which activates controls to move the wheelchair forward, backward, and turn.
Choice C Reason:
Drive-adapted wheelchair is inappropriate. A drive-adapted wheelchair is a powered wheelchair that can be modified with adaptive controls to accommodate individuals with limited hand function or mobility. These wheelchairs may include joystick controls, head arrays, chin controls, or other adaptive devices that allow the client to operate the wheelchair independently despite limited hand function.
Choice D Reason:
Ultra-light wheelchairs is inappropriate. Ultra-light wheelchairs are manual wheelchairs that are lightweight and often customized to fit the client's specific needs and preferences. While ultra-light wheelchairs may offer advantages in terms of maneuverability and ease of transportation, they still require sufficient upper extremity function to self-propel the wheelchair.
Which of the following are manifestations of obstructive sleep apnea? (Select all that apply.)
(Select All that Apply.)
A. Easily getting back to sleep after awakening
Easily getting back to sleep after awakening is incorrect. This is not typically a manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, individuals with OSA often experience fragmented sleep due to frequent awakenings caused by apnea episodes.
B. Many episodes of apnea per night
Many episodes of apnea per night is correct. Yes, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience many episodes of apnea (complete cessation of breathing) or hypopnea (partial obstruction of airflow) per night. These episodes can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
C. Loud snort after breathing cessation
Loud snort after breathing cessation is correct. This is a characteristic manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with OSA often make choking, snorting, or gasping sounds after a period of breathing cessation as they attempt to resume breathing.
D. 10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation 10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation
10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation is correct. Yes, breathing cessation episodes in obstructive sleep apnea typically last for 10 seconds or longer. These prolonged episodes of apnea contribute to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep.
E. Daytime sleepiness
Daytime sleepiness is correct. Yes, daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep patterns and frequent awakenings during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
F. Frequent, loud snoring
Frequent, loud snoring is correct. Yes, frequent, loud snoring is a hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring occurs due to the partial obstruction of airflow in the upper airway during sleep.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Easily getting back to sleep after awakening is incorrect. This is not typically a manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Instead, individuals with OSA often experience fragmented sleep due to frequent awakenings caused by apnea episodes.
Choice B Reason:
Many episodes of apnea per night is correct. Yes, individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience many episodes of apnea (complete cessation of breathing) or hypopnea (partial obstruction of airflow) per night. These episodes can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
Choice C Reason:
Loud snort after breathing cessation is correct. This is a characteristic manifestation of obstructive sleep apnea. Individuals with OSA often make choking, snorting, or gasping sounds after a period of breathing cessation as they attempt to resume breathing.
Choice D Reason:
10 seconds or longer of breathing cessation is correct. Yes, breathing cessation episodes in obstructive sleep apnea typically last for 10 seconds or longer. These prolonged episodes of apnea contribute to oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep.
Choice E Reason:
Daytime sleepiness is correct. Yes, daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep patterns and frequent awakenings during the night can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
Choice F Reason:
Frequent, loud snoring is correct. Yes, frequent, loud snoring is a hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring occurs due to the partial obstruction of airflow in the upper airway during sleep.