The nurse is admitting a client who reports symptoms of dyspnea. The nurse notes edema of the upper arms, face, and neck. What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Degree of upper body vasculature observed.
Arm circumference and degree of edema.
Blood pressure and heart rate.
Peripheral sensation and movement of upper extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assessing the degree of upper body vasculature may provide some information, but it does not directly address the client's current symptoms or vital status.
B. Measuring arm circumference and evaluating the degree of edema are important for understanding the extent of swelling but do not assess the client’s hemodynamic stability or respiratory status.
C. Blood pressure and heart rate are critical assessments in this scenario, especially considering the client’s dyspnea and upper body edema. Changes in these vital signs can indicate potential respiratory distress, compromised cardiac function, or anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention.
D. While assessing peripheral sensation and movement is important for overall neurological function, it is not a priority in this context compared to assessing vital signs that can directly affect the client’s stability.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A lesion of cranial nerve IX primarily affects swallowing and taste sensations rather than motor coordination or balance, so this is unlikely to explain the patient's symptoms.
B. Vestibular disease typically results in vertigo and balance issues, but the specific observations of slow alternating movements and loss of balance during the Romberg Test suggest a different underlying cause.
C. Dysfunction of the cerebellum would explain the patient's difficulties with rapid alternating movements and balance issues, as the cerebellum is responsible for coordinating motor activity and maintaining posture and balance. This aligns with the assessment findings, indicating a probable cerebellar dysfunction.
D. While an AVM in the frontal lobe could affect motor control, the specific symptoms presented, such as the inability to perform rapid movements and balance issues, are more characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction rather than a frontal lobe lesion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. An otoscope is used to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane, not to assess cranial nerve III. This tool is more relevant for assessing cranial nerve VIII (vestibulocochlear), which is responsible for hearing and balance.
B. A penlight is used to assess CN III (oculomotor) by evaluating the pupil's response to light and the ability to move the eye. This nerve controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil in response to light.
C. A cotton ball is used to test the sensory function of cranial nerve V (trigeminal), which is responsible for facial sensation. It is not used for assessing CN III.
D. Lavender or other scents may be used to test CN I (olfactory), responsible for the sense of smell, but it is not related to CN III, which governs eye movements and pupil reactions.