A patient who is diagnosed with a cervical herniated disc complains of pain. The nurse concludes that the patient's pain is caused by which of the following?
Inflammation of the lamina of the involved vertebra
Shifting of two adjacent vertebrae out of alignment
Increased pressure of cerebral spinal fluid within the vertebral column
Compression of the spinal cord by the extruding disc
The Correct Answer is D
A) Inflammation of the lamina of the involved vertebra: While inflammation can contribute to pain, it is not the primary cause in the context of a herniated disc. The pain associated with a herniated disc is typically related to nerve compression rather than inflammation of the lamina itself.
B) Shifting of two adjacent vertebrae out of alignment: This describes a different condition, such as spondylolisthesis. A herniated disc primarily involves the displacement of disc material, rather than a significant misalignment of the vertebrae.
C) Increased pressure of cerebral spinal fluid within the vertebral column: Increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure is not typically associated with herniated discs and does not directly cause the pain related to this condition.
D) Compression of the spinal cord by the extruding disc: This is the most accurate explanation for the patient's pain. A cervical herniated disc can protrude and compress nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, leading to significant pain, weakness, and other neurological symptoms. This compression is the primary cause of pain in patients with this diagnosis.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Symmetry of lesions: While asymmetry can be a concern when assessing moles, it is not the most critical indicator when a lesion has already shown signs of burning and bleeding. Symmetry is one aspect of the overall assessment but does not immediately indicate danger in this scenario.
B) Border regularity: Irregular borders can suggest malignancy; however, the presence of burning and bleeding is a more pressing sign that warrants immediate attention. While border irregularity is important to assess, it is not as concerning as changes in color or the presence of symptoms like bleeding.
C) Diameter less than 6 mm: A diameter less than 6 mm is generally considered a normal size for moles and is not indicative of malignancy on its own. In this case, the burning and bleeding of the mole are more significant findings that raise concern, regardless of its size.
D) Color variation: Color variation in a pigmented lesion is a significant danger sign, as it can indicate changes that may suggest malignancy, especially when combined with other concerning symptoms like burning and bleeding. Variability in color may indicate the presence of different cell types and is a key factor in assessing the risk of melanoma.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Chronic pain: Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for an extended period, often longer than three months, and is usually associated with conditions that are ongoing or recurring. The client’s symptoms, including sudden-onset severe pain and accompanying acute symptoms like nausea and vomiting, do not align with the characteristics of chronic pain.
B) Intractable pain: Intractable pain refers to pain that is resistant to treatment and does not respond well to analgesics or other interventions. While the client's pain is severe, the sudden onset and associated symptoms suggest a specific acute process rather than a pain condition that is inherently resistant to treatment.
C) Acute pain: Acute pain is characterized by its sudden onset and typically corresponds to a specific injury or condition, often with accompanying physiological responses such as nausea and restlessness. The client’s severe pain rating of 10, along with nausea and vomiting, strongly indicates that they are experiencing acute pain, likely related to an underlying acute abdominal condition.
D) End-of-life pain: End-of-life pain usually occurs in patients with terminal illnesses and is often managed with palliative care strategies. The client’s sudden onset of severe pain and accompanying symptoms indicate a different situation, likely not related to a terminal condition.