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 C
Explanation
A) Obtain an order for a catheter: While catheterization can help manage elimination needs, it is generally considered a more invasive approach and is not the first line of action unless absolutely necessary. The goal should be to maintain the client’s dignity and encourage as much independence as safely possible.
B) Allow the client to walk independently: Given that the Romberg test is positive, indicating potential balance issues, allowing the client to walk independently could increase the risk of falls and injury. Safety is a primary concern in this situation.
C) Obtain a bedside commode: This intervention is appropriate as it provides a safe and accessible option for the client to meet their elimination needs without the need to navigate to a bathroom, which may be challenging given their balance issues. A bedside commode allows for easier access while minimizing the risk of falls.
D) Limit fluid intake: Limiting fluid intake is not a safe or effective way to address elimination needs and could lead to dehydration and other complications. Encouraging appropriate fluid intake is important for overall health, provided the client can manage elimination safely.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Subjective report: The most reliable indicator of pain is the patient's own description of their experience. Pain is inherently subjective, and individuals may perceive and express pain differently. Listening to the client's self-report provides valuable insight into their pain intensity, quality, and impact on daily life, which cannot be accurately assessed through objective measures alone.
B) Physical exam: While a physical exam can provide important information about potential sources of pain or related conditions, it may not accurately reflect the intensity or nature of the pain the patient is experiencing. Physical findings may vary widely among individuals with similar pain complaints, making this a less reliable indicator.
C) Results of a CAT scan: Imaging studies like CAT scans can identify structural issues, such as fractures or tumors, but they do not measure pain. Many patients with significant pain may have normal imaging results, while others with severe findings may report minimal discomfort, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on diagnostic tests.
D) The client's vital signs: Vital signs can indicate physiological responses to pain, such as increased heart rate or blood pressure, but they are not specific indicators of pain severity. Many factors can influence vital signs, including anxiety and other medical conditions, making them unreliable for assessing pain levels independently.