Which condition or symptom is most common in clients with a herniated cervical disc?
Stiff neck and shoulder pain
Cauda equina syndrome
Changes in knee and ankle reflexes
Sciatica
The Correct Answer is A
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.
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Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Impact on ADLs: Understanding how pain affects a client's activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial for assessing the overall impact of the pain on their life. It provides insight into the functional limitations caused by the pain and helps guide treatment planning.
B) Family medical history: While family medical history can provide context for certain conditions, it is not an essential component of a focused pain assessment. The immediate concerns are more directly related to the client's current pain experience rather than their family's medical background.
C) Pain intensity rating: Assessing the intensity of pain is a fundamental aspect of pain assessment. Using scales (e.g., 0-10) allows the nurse to quantify the pain, monitor changes over time, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
D) Characteristics of the pain: Understanding the characteristics of the pain—such as its quality (sharp, dull, throbbing) and location—is essential for determining its cause and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
E) Aggravating factors: Identifying what exacerbates the pain is critical for understanding its nature and developing effective management strategies. Knowing which activities or positions worsen the pain can help in creating a comprehensive care plan tailored to the client's needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Anterior to the elbow: This term describes a location in front of the elbow. While it indicates a direction, it does not specifically address the vertical relationship of the discomfort in relation to the elbow. Since the client described discomfort "above" the elbow, this term is not the most accurate choice.
B) Distal to the elbow: The term "distal" refers to a location that is farther away from the trunk of the body or point of reference. Given that the discomfort is described as being above the elbow, this term is incorrect, as it would imply the discomfort is located toward the hand rather than toward the shoulder.
C) Proximal to the elbow: This term correctly indicates a location closer to the trunk of the body and specifically suggests that the discomfort is situated above the elbow, making it the most appropriate medical terminology to use in this context. It accurately reflects the relationship of the discomfort to the elbow.
D) Inferior to the elbow: "Inferior" refers to a location below another point of reference. Since the discomfort is described as above the elbow, this terminology would not apply and would misrepresent the location of the client’s discomfort.