The nurse is preparing to assess the posterior spine of a client. Which landmark should the nurse use to determine symmetry?
Posterior superior iliac spine
Iliac crests
Paravertebral muscles
Twelfth thoracic vertebrae
The Correct Answer is B
A) Posterior superior iliac spine: While this landmark is useful for certain assessments, it is more commonly used to identify pelvic alignment rather than symmetry of the spine itself.
B) Iliac crests: The iliac crests serve as an important anatomical landmark for assessing symmetry in the posterior spine. By comparing the heights of the iliac crests on both sides, the nurse can determine any asymmetry in the pelvis and, by extension, the spine, as uneven heights may indicate spinal deformities.
C) Paravertebral muscles: While assessing the paravertebral muscles can provide information about muscle tone and potential asymmetries, they are not direct landmarks for evaluating overall spinal symmetry.
D) Twelfth thoracic vertebrae: Although identifying specific vertebrae is important for certain assessments, the twelfth thoracic vertebra is not commonly used as a primary landmark for assessing symmetry in the spine. It is more useful for locating the general area of the thoracic spine.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Lordosis: This term specifically refers to an exaggerated inward curvature of the spine, particularly in the cervical or lumbar regions. When the nurse observes an exaggerated cervical curve, lordosis is the correct term to use for documentation, indicating a deviation from the normal spinal alignment.
B) Scoliosis: This condition is characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It does not apply to the observation of an exaggerated cervical curve and would not be appropriate for this finding.
C) Kyphosis: This term denotes an excessive outward curvature of the thoracic spine, often leading to a hunchback appearance. Since the assessment focuses on the cervical region, kyphosis would not accurately describe an exaggerated cervical curve.
D) Normal curve: This term refers to the expected, healthy curvature of the spine. Documenting an exaggerated curve as "normal" would be misleading and does not accurately reflect the observed condition. The nurse should document the finding as lordosis to convey the specific abnormality noted.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "The client may be having a cardiac event": While this statement indicates a potential concern, it lacks specific details about the client's current condition. It suggests a possibility but does not clearly communicate the immediate issue or symptoms being experienced.
B) "The client needs an EKG. Please see her immediately": This statement expresses urgency and a request for action but does not provide the necessary context or information about the client's symptoms. It is more aligned with the "Request" part of SBAR rather than the "Situation."
C) "The client is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath": This statement accurately describes the current situation the client is facing. It provides essential information regarding the symptoms the nurse is observing, making it a clear example of the "Situation" in the SBAR framework. This information is critical for the provider to understand the urgency of the situation.
D) "The client's admitting diagnosis is stage 2 breast cancer": While this statement provides important background information, it does not reflect the immediate situation that requires attention. It does not address the current health issue that is prompting the nurse to contact the provider.