Lewis: Chapter 58: Chronic Neurologic Problems Flashcards
The nurse should determine that teaching about migraine headaches has been effective when the patient says which of the following?
a. “I can take the (Topamax) as soon as a headache starts.”
b. “A glass of wine might help me relax and prevent a headache.”
c. “I will lie down someplace dark and quiet when the headaches begin.”
d. “I should avoid taking aspirin and sumatriptan (Imitrex) at the same time.”
ANS: C
It is recommended that the patient with a migraine rest in a dark, quiet area. Topiramate (Topamax) is used to prevent migraines. It must be taken for several months to determine effectiveness. Aspirin or other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications can be taken with the triptans. Alcohol may precipitate migraine headaches.
Which finding should the nurse expect when assessing a patient who is experiencing a cluster headache?
a. Nuchal rigidity
b. Unilateral ptosis
c. Projectile vomiting
d. Bilateral facial pain
ANS: B
Unilateral eye edema, tearing, and ptosis are characteristic of cluster headaches. Nuchal rigidity suggests meningeal irritation, such as occurs with meningitis. Although nausea and vomiting may occur with migraine headaches, projectile vomiting is more consistent with increased intracranial pressure. Unilateral sharp, stabbing pain, rather than throbbing pain, is characteristic of cluster headaches.
While the nurse is transporting a patient on a stretcher to the radiology department, the patient begins having a tonic-clonic seizure. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Insert an oral airway during the seizure to maintain a patent airway.
b. Restrain the patient’s arms and legs to prevent injury during the seizure.
c. Time and observe and record the details of the seizure and postictal state.
d. Avoid touching the patient to prevent further nervous system stimulation.
ANS: C
Because the diagnosis and treatment of seizures frequently are based on the description of the seizure, recording the length and details of the seizure is important. Insertion of an oral airway and restraining the patient during the seizure are contraindicated. The nurse may need to move the patient to decrease the risk of injury during the seizure.
A high school teacher who has been diagnosed with epilepsy after having a generalized tonic-clonic seizure tells the nurse, “I cannot teach any more. It will be too upsetting if I have a seizure at work.” How should the nurse respond to specifically address the patient’s concern?
a. “You might benefit from some psychologic counseling.”
b. “Epilepsy usually can be well controlled with medications.”
c. “You will want to contact the Epilepsy Foundation for assistance.”
d. “The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can help with work retraining.”
ANS: B
The nurse should inform the patient that most seizure disorders are controlled with medication. The other information may be necessary if seizures persist after treatment with antiseizure medications is implemented.
A patient has been taking phenytoin (Dilantin) for 2 years. Which action should the nurse take when evaluating possible adverse effects of the medication?
a. Inspect the oral mucosa.
b. Listen to the lung sounds.
c. Auscultate the bowel sounds.
d. Check pupil reaction to light.
ANS: A
Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, but does not affect bowel sounds, lung sounds, or pupil reaction to light.
A patient reports feeling numbness and tingling of the left arm before experiencing a seizure. The nurse should know that this history is consistent with what type of seizure?
a. Focal-onset
b. Atonic
c. Absence
d. Myoclonic
ANS: A
The initial symptoms of a focal-onset seizure involve clinical manifestations that are localized to a particular part of the body or brain. Symptoms of an absence seizure are staring and a brief loss of consciousness. In an atonic seizure, the patient loses muscle tone and (typically) falls to the ground. Myoclonic seizures are characterized by a sudden jerk of the body or extremities.
What action should the nurse include in completing a health history and physical assessment for a 36-yr-old female patient with possible multiple sclerosis (MS)?
a. Assess for the presence of chest pain.
b. Inquire about urinary tract problems.
c. Inspect the skin for rashes or discoloration.
d. Ask the patient about any increase in libido.
ANS: B
Urinary tract problems with incontinence or retention are common symptoms of MS. Chest pain and skin rashes are not symptoms of MS. A decrease in libido is common with MS.
A woman who has multiple sclerosis (MS) asks the nurse about risks associated with pregnancy. How should the nurse respond?
a. “MS symptoms will be worse after the pregnancy.”
b. “Women with MS frequently have premature labor.”
c. “Symptoms of MS are likely to improve during pregnancy.”
d. “MS is associated with an increased risk for congenital defects.”
ANS: C
Symptoms of MS may improve during pregnancy. There is no increased risk for congenital defects in infants born of mothers with MS. Onset of labor is not affected by MS. MS symptoms will not worsen after pregnancy.
A 33-yr-old patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is to begin treatment with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). Which information should the nurse include in patient teaching?
a. Recommendation to drink at least 4 L of fluid daily
b. Need to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery
c. How to draw up and administer injections of the medication?
d. Use of contraceptive methods other than oral contraceptives
ANS: C
Copaxone is administered by self-injection. Oral contraceptives are an appropriate choice for birth control. There is no need to avoid driving or drink large fluid volumes when taking glatiramer.
Which information about a patient with multiple sclerosis indicates that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before giving the prescribed dose of dalfampridine (Ampyra)?
a. The patient reports pain with neck flexion.
b. The patient has increased serum creatinine.
c. The patient walks a mile each day for exercise.
d. The patient has the relapsing-remitting form of MS.
ANS: B
Dalfampridine should not be given to patients with impaired renal function. The other information will not impact whether the dalfampridine should be administered.
Which action should the nurse plan to take for a patient with multiple sclerosis who has urinary retention caused by a flaccid bladder?
a. Encourage decreased evening intake of fluid.
b. Teach the patient how to use the Credé method.
c. Suggest the use of adult incontinence briefs for nighttime only.
d. Assist the patient to the commode every 2 hours during the day.
ANS: B
The Credé method can be used to improve bladder emptying. Decreasing fluid intake will not improve bladder emptying and may increase risk for urinary tract infection and dehydration. The use of incontinence briefs and frequent toileting will not improve bladder emptying.
A patient with Parkinson’s disease has bradykinesia. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?
a. Instruct the patient in activities that can be done while lying or sitting.
b. Suggest that the patient rock from side to side to initiate leg movement.
c. Have the patient take small steps in a straight line directly in front of the feet.
d. Teach the patient to keep the feet in contact with the floor and slide them forward.
ANS: B
Rocking the body from side to side stimulates balance and improves mobility. The patient will be encouraged to continue exercising because this will maintain functional abilities. Maintaining a wide base of support will help with balance. The patient should lift the feet and avoid a shuffling gait.
What should the nurse advise a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) to do?
a. Anticipate the need for weekly plasmapheresis treatments.
b. Complete physically demanding activities early in the day.
c. Protect the extremities from injury due to poor sensory perception.
d. Perform frequent weight-bearing exercise to prevent muscle atrophy.
ANS: B
Muscles are generally strongest in the morning, and activities involving muscle activity should be scheduled then. Plasmapheresis is not routinely scheduled but is used for myasthenia crisis or for situations in which corticosteroid therapy must be avoided. There is no decrease in sensation with MG. Muscle atrophy does not occur because although there is muscle weakness, they are still used.
Which medication taken by a patient with restless legs syndrome should the nurse discuss with the patient?
a. Ibuprofen
b. Multivitamin
c. Acetaminophen
d. Diphenhydramine
ANS: D
Antihistamines can aggravate restless legs syndrome. The other medications will not contribute to restless legs syndrome.
A patient who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is hospitalized with pneumonia. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?
a. Observe for agitation and paranoia.
b. Assist with active range of motion (ROM).
c. Give muscle relaxants as needed to reduce spasms.
d. Use simple words and phrases to explain procedures.
ANS: B
ALS causes progressive muscle weakness. Assisting the patient to perform active ROM will
help maintain strength as long as possible. Psychotic manifestations such as agitation and paranoia are not associated with ALS. Cognitive function is not affected by ALS, and the patient’s ability to understand procedures will not be impaired. Muscle relaxants will further increase muscle weakness and depress respirations