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 A
Explanation
A) No discomfort: When palpating the sinuses, the expected finding is that there should be no discomfort. Healthy sinuses typically do not cause pain or tenderness during palpation, indicating that they are clear and not inflamed or infected.
B) Lumps less than 1 centimeter: While lumps may be found in various areas of the body, the presence of lumps in the sinus area during palpation is not a typical finding and may indicate an abnormality or concern that would require further evaluation.
C) Painful sensation behind the eyes: A painful sensation behind the eyes can indicate sinusitis or other sinus issues. It is not an expected finding during a normal examination of the sinuses, as healthy sinuses should not cause discomfort.
D) Heavy pressure: Heavy pressure is often a symptom associated with sinusitis or sinus congestion, but it is not an expected finding during a routine palpation of the sinuses. Healthy sinuses should not feel heavy or pressured during examination.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Dizziness: While the term "dizziness" can describe a range of sensations, it is more general and does not specifically capture the experience of the patient feeling that the room is spinning. Dizziness can include feelings of lightheadedness or imbalance, which are not the primary symptoms the patient is describing.
B) Tinnitus: Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, in the absence of an external source. This term does not relate to the patient's symptoms of spinning sensations and nausea, making it irrelevant in this context.
C) Vertigo: This term accurately describes the sensation of spinning or movement, often associated with inner ear disturbances. The patient's description aligns with vertigo, as it reflects the specific experience of feeling as though the environment is moving, which can indeed lead to nausea.
D) Otalgia: Otalgia refers to ear pain and is not applicable to the symptoms the patient describes. Since the patient is focusing on a spinning sensation and associated nausea, this term does not relate to the presenting issue.