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.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Stiff neck and shoulder pain: This symptom is very common in clients with a herniated cervical disc. The herniation can lead to irritation or compression of nearby nerves, resulting in localized pain in the neck and shoulder region. Clients often report this discomfort as one of their primary concerns.
B) Cauda equina syndrome: This serious condition arises from compression of the cauda equina, which occurs in the lower lumbar region of the spine, not the cervical area. Therefore, it is not a typical symptom of a cervical disc herniation.
C) Changes in knee and ankle reflexes: These changes are more associated with lumbar spine issues. While cervical disc problems can affect reflexes, they typically do not present as changes in lower limb reflexes, which are primarily linked to lower back conditions.
D) Sciatica: This term usually refers to pain that radiates down the leg due to compression of the sciatic nerve, often associated with lumbar disc herniation. It is not a common symptom of cervical disc herniation, which affects the neck and upper extremities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Idiopathic neuropathy has no known cause: This statement is accurate, as idiopathic neuropathy refers to nerve damage for which no specific cause can be identified despite thorough investigation. The term "idiopathic" literally means "of unknown origin," indicating that the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
B) Idiopathic neuropathy is hereditary in nature: While some neuropathies can be hereditary, idiopathic neuropathy itself is not classified as hereditary since it lacks a defined genetic cause. Hereditary neuropathies are specific types that have a genetic basis.
C) Idiopathic neuropathy is caused by nutritional deficits: Nutritional deficits can lead to various types of neuropathy, but idiopathic neuropathy specifically is characterized by the absence of a known cause. Therefore, attributing it to nutritional deficits would be incorrect.
D) Idiopathic neuropathy is caused by disease or illness: While certain diseases can cause neuropathy, the key characteristic of idiopathic neuropathy is that no specific disease or illness has been identified as the cause. This differentiates it from other neuropathies that are secondary to identifiable conditions.