MED SURG CHAPTER 69
A client is receiving mitoxantrone for treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). This client should be closely monitored for
leukopenia and cardiac toxicity. Explanation: Mitoxantrone is an antineoplastic agent used primarily to treat leukemia and lymphoma but is also used to treat secondary progressive MS. Clients need to have laboratory tests ordered and the results closely monitored due to the potential for leukopenia and cardiac toxicity. Clients receiving corticosteroids are monitored for side effects related to corticosteroids, such as mood changes and fluid and electrolyte alterations.
The nurse is performing an initial assessment on a client admitted to rule out Guillain-Barre syndrome. On which of the following areas will the nurse focus most heavily?
Respiratory Explanation: Because of its possible rapid progression and neuromuscular respiratory failure, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. After baseline values are identified, assessment of changes in muscle strength and respiratory function alert the team to the physical and respiratory needs of the client. The other three choices may become problem areas later, but respiratory issues are always a priority.
The parents of a client intubated due to the progression of Guillain-Barré syndrome ask whether their child will die. What is the best response by the nurse?
"There are no guarantees, but a large portion of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome survive." Explanation: The survival rate of Guillain-Barré syndrome is approximately 90%. The client may make a full recovery or suffer from some residual deficits. Telling the parents not to worry dismisses their feelings and does not address their concerns. Progression of Guillain-Barré syndrome to the diaphragm does not significantly decrease the survival rate, but it does increase the chance of residual deficits. The family should be given information about Guillain-Barré syndrome and the generally favorable prognosis. With no prognosis offered, the parents are not having their concerns addressed.
Which is the primary medical management of arthropod-borne virus (arboviral) encephalitis?
Controlling seizures and increased intracranial pressure Explanation: There is no specific medication for arbovirualencephalitis; therefore symptom management is key. Medical management is aimed at controlling seizures and increased intracranial pressure
A client with myasthenia gravis is admitted with an exacerbation. The nurse is educating the client about plasmapherisis and explains this in which of the following statements?
Antibodies are removed from the plasma. Explanation: Plasmapheresis is a technique in which antibodies are removed from plasma and the plasma is returned to the client. The other three choices are appropriate treatments for myasthenia gravis, but are not related to plasmapheresis.
Bell palsy is a disorder of which cranial nerve?
Facial (VII) Explanation: Bell palsy is characterized by facial dysfunction, weakness, and paralysis. Trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, causes facial pain. Ménière syndrome is a disorder of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder of the vagus nerve.
Which is the most common cause of acute encephalitis in the United States?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Explanation: HSV-1 ( herpes simplex virus) is the most common cause of acute encephalitis in the United States. Fungal infections of the central nervous system occur rarely in healthy people. The Western equine encephalitis virus is one of four types of arboviral encephalitis that occur in North America is one of several fungi that may cause fungal encephalitis. Lyme disease leads to flu like symptoms and starts as a local infection which can systematically spread causing organ issues, however the incidence is rate, HIV leads to autoimmune disorders.
The nurse is caring for a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for oral suctioning?
Increased pulse rate, adventitious breath sounds Explanation: An increased pulse rate above baseline with adventitious breath sounds indicate compromised respirations and signal a need for airway clearance. A decrease in pulse rate is not indicative of airway obstruction. An increase of pulse rate with slight elevation of respirations (16 breaths/minute) is not significant for suctioning unless findings suggest otherwise.
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is based on which test?
Magnetic resonance imaging Explanation: The diagnosis of MS is based on the presence of multiple plaques in the central nervous system observed with magnetic resonance imaging. Electrophoresis of CSF identifies the presence of oligoclonal banding. Evoked potential studies can help define the extent of the disease process and monitor changes. Neuropsychological testing may be indicated to assess cognitive impairment.
The most common cause of cholinergic crisis includes which of the following?
Overmedication Explanation: A cholinergic crisis, which is essentially a problem of overmedication, results in severe generalized muscle weakness, respiratory impairment, and excessive pulmonary secretion that may result in respiratory failure. Myasthenic crisis is a sudden, temporary exacerbation of MG symptoms. A common precipitating event for myasthenic crisis is infection. It can result from undermedication.
A client with a tentative diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is admitted for a diagnostic workup. Myasthenia gravis is confirmed by:
a positive edrophonium (Tensilon) test. Explanation: A positive edrophonium test confirms the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. After edrophonium administration, most clients with myasthenia gravis show markedly improved muscle tone. Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's sign indicate meningitis. The sweat chloride test is used to confirm cystic fibrosis.
A client with Guillain-Barré syndrome has paralysis affecting the respiratory muscles and requires mechanical ventilation. When the client asks the nurse about the paralysis, how should the nurse respond?
"The paralysis caused by this disease is temporary." Explanation: The nurse should inform the client that the paralysis that accompanies Guillain-Barré syndrome is only temporary. Return of motor function begins proximally and extends distally in the legs.
In myasthenia gravis (MG), there is a decrease in the number of receptor sites of which neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine Explanation: In MG, there is a reduction in the number of acetylcholine receptor sites because antibodies directed at the acetylcholine receptor sites impair transmission of impulses across the neuromuscular junction. There are no decreased receptor sites of epinephrine, norepinephrine, or dopamine implicated in MG.
A client who recently experienced a stroke tells the nurse that he has double vision. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Alternatively patch one eye every 2 hours. Explanation: Patching one eye at a time relieves diplopia (double vision). Closing the eyes and making the room dark aren't the most appropriate options because they deprive the client of sensory input. Artificial tears relieve eye dryness but don't treat diplopia.
Which drug should be available to counteract the effect of edrophonium chloride?
Atropine Explanation: Atropine should be available to control the side effects of edrophonium chloride. Prednisone, azathioprine, and pyridostigmine bromide are not used to counteract these effects.
The nurse is assessing a client newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which of the following signs would the nurse most likely observe?
Diplopia and ptosis Explanation: The initial manifestation of myasthenia gravis involves the ocular muscles, such as diplopia and ptosis. The remaining choices relate to multiple sclerosis.
A client is undergoing testing to confirm a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The nurse explains that a diagnosis is made if muscle function improves after the client receives an IV injection of a medication. What is the medication the nurse tells the client he'll receive during this test?
Edrophonium (Tensilon) Explanation: The most useful and reliable diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis is the edrophonium (Tensilon) test. Within 30 to 60 seconds after injection of edrophonium, most clients with myasthenia gravis will demonstrate a marked improvement in muscle tone that lasts about 4 to 5 minutes. Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, is used to treat myasthenia gravis, not to diagnose it. Immunoglobulin G is used during acute relapses of the disorder. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant that's sometimes used to control myasthenia gravis symptoms.
You are the nurse caring for a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The client also has an ascending paralysis. Knowing the complications of the disorder, what should you keep always ready at the bedside?
Intubation tray and suction apparatus Explanation: Progressive GBS can move to the upper areas of the body and affect the muscles of respiration. If the respiratory muscles are involved, endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation become necessary. A spirometer is used to evaluate the client's ventilation capacity. A blood pressure apparatus, nebulizer, and thermometer are not required because generally a client with GBS does not show signs of increased blood pressure or temperature.
A client in a long-term nursing facility has severe dysphagia. Which of the following would best assist this client in preventing further complications?
Placement of a feeding tube Explanation: Clients with severe dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and are at risk for aspiration. A feeding tube may need to be placed if the deficit is prolonged and if the client is unable to eat. Clients with severe dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and are at risk for aspiration. A feeding tube would be placed to address this deficit.
The nurse is assessing a newly admitted client with a diagnosis of meningitis. On assessment, the nurse expects to find which of the following?
Positive Kernig's sign Explanation: A positive Kernig's sign is a common finding in the client with meningitis. When the client is lying with the thigh flexed on the abdomen, the leg cannot be completly extended. A positive Brudzinski's sign is usual with meningitis. The Romberg sign would not be tested in this client. The client will develop lethargy as the illness progresses, not hyper-alertness.
A client with respiratory complications of multiple sclerosis (MS) is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. Which equipment is most important for the nurse to keep at the client's bedside?
Suction machine with catheters Explanation: MS weakens the respiratory muscles and impairs swallowing, putting the client at risk for aspiration. To ensure a patent oral airway, the nurse should keep a suction machine and suction catheters at the bedside. A sphygmomanometer is no more important for this client than for any other. A padded tongue blade is an appropriate seizure precaution but shouldn't be used in this client because its large size could cause oral airway obstruction. A nasal cannula and oxygen would be ineffective to ensure adequate oxygen delivery; this client requires a mechanical ventilator.
Which of the following tests confirms the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG)?
Tensilon test Explanation: Edrophonium chloride (Tensilon) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that stops the breakdown of acetylcholine. The drug is used because it has a rapid onset of 30 seconds and a short duration of 5 minutes. Immediate improvement in muscle strength after administration of this agent represents a positive test and usually confirms the diagnosis. The presence of acetylcholine receptor antibodies is identified in serum. Repetitive nerve stimulation demonstrates a decrease in successive action potentials. The thymus gland may be enlarged in MG, and a T scan of the mediastinum is performed to detect thymoma or hyperplasia of the thymus.
Which of the following is standard test for early diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 encephalitis?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Explanation: The PCR is the standard test for early diagnosis of HSV-1 encephalitis. The validity of PCR is very high between the third and tenth days after symptom management. Neuroimaging studies, EEG, and CFS examination are used to diagnose HSV encephalitis. Lumbar puncture often reveals a high opening pressure and low glucose and high protein levels in CSF samples.
A patient has been diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis at a community living home. When should prophylactic therapy begin for those who have had close contact with the patient?
Within 24 hours after exposure Explanation: People in close contact with patients with meningococcal meningitis should be treated with antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis using rifampin (Rifadin), ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Cipro), or ceftriaxone sodium (Rocephin). Therapy should be started within 24 hours after exposure because a delay in the initiation of therapy limits the effectiveness of the prophylaxis.
A client has been hospitalized for diagnostic testing. The client has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which the physician explains is an autoimmune disorder. How would the nurse explain an autoimmune disease to the client?
A disorder in which killer T cells and autoantibodies attack or destroy natural cells—those cells that are "self" Explanation: Autoimmune disorders are those in which killer T cells and autoantibodies attack or destroy natural cells—those cells that are "self." Autoantibodies, antibodies against self-antigens, are immunoglobulins. They target histocompatible cells, cells whose antigens match the person's own genetic code. Autoimmune disorders are not caused by too many or too few immunoglobulins, and histocompatible cells do not attack immunoglobulins in an autoimmune disorder.
A client arrives at the emergency department complaining of extreme muscle weakness after minimal effort. The physician suspects myasthenia gravis. Which drug will be used to test for this disease?
Edrophonium (Tensilon) Explanation: Edrophonium temporarily blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine, thus increasing acetylcholine level in the blood, and relieves weakness. Because of its short duration of action, edrophonium is the drug of choice for diagnosing myasthenia gravis. It's also used to differentiate myasthenia gravis from cholinergic toxicity. Ambenonium is used as an antimyasthenic. Pyridostigmine serves primarily as an adjunct in treating severe anticholinergic toxicity; it's also an antiglaucoma agent and a miotic. Carbachol reduces intraocular pressure during ophthalmologic procedures; topical carbachol is used to treat open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.
A client has been brought to the ED with altered LOC, high fever, and a purpura rash on the lower extremities. The family states the client was reporting neck stiffness earlier in the day. What action should the nurse do first?
Initiate isolation precautions. Explanation: The signs and symptoms are consistent with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should protect self, other health care workers, and other clients against the spread of the bacteria. Clients should receive the prescribed antibiotics within 30 minutes of arrival, but the nurse can administer the antibiotics after applying the isolation precautions. The nurse can use a cooling blanket to help with the elevated temperature, but this should be done after applying isolation precautions. Prophylaxis antibiotic therapy should be given to people who were in close contact with the patient, but this is not the highest priority nursing intervention.
A client is brought to the emergency department in a confused state, with slurred speech, characteristics of a headache, and right facial droop. The vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 170/88 mm Hg, pulse of 92 beats/minute, and respirations at 24 breaths/minute. On which bodily system does the nurse focus the nursing assessment?
Neurovascular system Explanation: The client is exhibiting signs of an evolving cerebrovascular accident, possibly hemorrhagic in nature, with neurologic complications. Nursing assessment will focus on the neurovascular system assessing level of consciousness, hand grasps, communication deficits, etc. Continual cardiovascular assessment is important but not the main focus of assessment. Respiratory compromise is not noted as a concern. The symptoms exhibited are not from an endocrine dysfunction.
Medical management of arthropod-borne virus (arboviral) encephalitis is aimed at
controlling seizures and increased intracranial pressure. Explanation: There is no specific medication for arbovirus encephalitis; therefore symptom management is key. Medical management is aimed at controlling seizures and increased intracranial pressure
A client with fungal encephalitis receiving amphotericin B reports fever, chills, and body aches. The nurse knows that these symptoms
may be controlled by the administration of diphenhydramine and acetaminophen approximately 30 minutes before administration of the amphotericin. Explanation: Administration of amphotericin B may cause fever, chills, and body aches. The administration of diphenhydramine and acetaminophen approximately 30 minutes before the administration of amphotericin B may prevent these side effects. Renal toxicity due to amphotericin B is dose limiting. Monitoring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels may alert the nurse to the development of renal insufficiency and the need to address the clients' renal status. Vascular changes are associated with C. immitis and Aspergillus. Manifestations of vascular change may include arteritis or cerebral infarction. Blood and CSF cultures help diagnosis fungal encephalitis.
Which is the primary vector of arthropod-borne viral encephalitis in North America?
Mosquitoes Explanation: The primary vector in North America related to anthropoid-borne virus encephalitis is a mosquito. Birds are associated with the West Nile virus. Spiders and ticks are not vectors for arthropod-borne virus encephalitis.
A client is newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Which instruction should the nurse provide?
"You must avoid stress and extreme fatigue, because these can trigger a relapse." Explanation: Stress, fatigue, and temperature extremes can trigger relapses of MS. The client should be taught to practice a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, adequate sleep, and management of stress. Clients taking MS medications should take them on a consistent and strict schedule to produce the desired effect of fewer relapses and to prevent sclerotic plaque from forming on the brain and spinal cord. RRMS is characterized by states of remission and relapses. A steady decline in function is consistent with primary progressive MS. RRMS is the most common type, and many treatments are available.
Myasthenia gravis occurs when antibodies attack which receptor sites?
Acetylcholine Explanation: In myasthenia gravis, antibodies directed at the acetylcholine receptor sites impair transmission of impulses across the myoneural junction. Serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid are not receptor sites that are attacked in myasthenia gravis.
Which is a chronic, degenerative, progressive disease of the central nervous system characterized by the occurrence of small patches of demyelination in the brain and spinal cord?
Multiple sclerosis Explanation: The cause of MS is not known, and the disease affects twice as many women as men. Parkinson disease is associated with decreased levels of dopamine caused by destruction of pigmented neuronal cells in the substantia nigra in the basal ganglia of the brain. Huntington disease is a chronic, progressive, hereditary disease of the nervous system that results in progressive involuntary dancelike movements and dementia. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare, transmissible, progressive fatal disease of the central nervous system characterized by spongiform degeneration of the gray matter of the brain.
A client with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is receiving acyclovir. To ensure early intervention, the nurse monitors laboratory values and urine output for which type of adverse reactions?
Renal Explanation: Monitoring of blood chemistry test results and urinary output will alert the nurse to the presence of renal complications related to acyclovir therapy. Complications with the integumentary system will can be observed by the nurse; it is not necessary to review laboratory results or urine output for integumentary reactions. Urine output is not monitored for musculoskeletal or hepatic adverse reactions.
The nurse is performing an initial nursing assessment on a client with possible Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which of the following findings would be most consistent with this diagnosis?
Muscle weakness and hyporeflexia of the lower extremities Explanation: Guillain-Barre syndrome typically begins with muscle weakness and diminished reflexes of the lower extremities. Fever, skin rash, cough, and ptosis are not signs/symptoms associated with Guillain-Barre.
A client has a neurological defect and will be transferred to a nursing home because family members are unable to care for the client at home. While receiving a bed bath, the client yells at the nurse, "You don't know what you are doing!" What is the best reaction by the nurse?
Accept the patient's behavior and do not take it personally. Explanation: Anger is a defense or response to loss; the nurse should consider that the client is using displacement to deal with emotional pain. Having another nurse care for the patient might send a message to the client that may precipitate feelings of guilt or imply to the client that the nurse no longer wants to provide care. Discontinuing the bath abandons the client and would not encourage expression of feelings. Explaining that the client is getting good care is a defensive response that focuses on the nurse rather than the client.
Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a client with double vision in the right eye due to MS?
Apply an eye patch to the right eye. Explanation: An eye patch to the affected eye would help the client with double vision see more clearly, thus promoting safety. Exercises for the eye would not benefit the client. Eye drops may be needed for dryness to prevent corneal abrasion but would not have any benefit for a client with double vision. Needed items should be placed on the unaffected (left) side.
Which nursing intervention is the priority for a client in myasthenic crisis?
Assessing respiratory effort Explanation: A client in myasthenic crisis has severe muscle weakness, including the muscles needed to support respiratory effort. Myasthenic crisis can lead to respiratory failure and death if not recognized early. Administering IVIG, preparing for plasmaphersis, and ensuring adequate nutritional support are important and appropriate interventions, but maintaining adequate respiratory status or support is the priority during the crisis.
A nurse is assisting with the assessment of a client with suspected brain abscess. Which of the following findings would be consistent with such an abscess in the frontal lobe of the brain? Select all that apply.
Hemiparesis Seizures Expressive aphasia Explanation: Signs and symptoms of a frontal lobe abscess include hemiparesis, expressive aphasia, seizures, and frontal headache. Vision changes are associated with a temporal lobe abscess. Nystagmus is a sign of a cerebellar abscess
A patient with Bell's palsy says to the nurse, "It doesn't hurt anymore to touch my face. How am I going to get muscle tone back so I don't look like this anymore?" What interventions can the nurse suggest to the patient?
Suggest massaging the face several times daily, using a gentle upward motion, to maintain muscle tone. Explanation: After the sensitivity of the nerve to touch decreases and the patient can tolerate touching the face, the nurse can suggest massaging the face several times daily, using a gentle upward motion, to maintain muscle tone. Facial exercises, such as wrinkling the forehead, blowing out the cheeks, and whistling, may be performed with the aid of a mirror to prevent muscle atrophy. Exposure of the face to cold and drafts is avoided.
The primary arthropod vector in North America that transmits encephalitis is the
mosquito. Explanation: Arthropod vectors transmit several types of viruses that cause encephalitis. The primary vector in North America is the mosquito.
The client with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is receiving acyclovir. The nurse monitors blood chemistry test results and urinary output for
renal complications related to acyclovir therapy. Explanation: Monitoring of blood chemistry test results and urinary output will alert the nurse to the presence of renal complications related to acyclovir therapy. To prevent relapse, treatment with acyclovir should continue for up to 3 weeks.
A nurse is teaching a client with multiple sclerosis (MS). When teaching the client how to reduce fatigue, the nurse should tell the client to:
rest in an air-conditioned room. Explanation: Fatigue is a common symptom in clients with MS. Lowering the body temperature by resting in an air-conditioned room may relieve fatigue; however, extreme cold should be avoided. A hot bath or shower can increase body temperature, producing fatigue. Muscle relaxants, ordered to reduce spasticity, can cause drowsiness and fatigue. Frequent rest periods and naps can relieve fatigue. Other measures to reduce fatigue in the client with MS include treating depression, using occupational therapy to learn energy-conservation techniques, and reducing spasticity.
A 45-year-old client is admitted to the facility with excruciating paroxysmal facial pain. He reports that the episodes occur most often after feeling cold drafts and drinking cold beverages. Based on these findings, the nurse determines that the client is most likely suffering from which neurologic disorder?
rigeminal neuralgia Explanation: Trigeminal neuralgia, a painful disorder of one or more branches of cranial nerve V (trigeminal), produces paroxysmal attacks of excruciating facial pain. Attacks are precipitated by stimulation of a trigger zone on the face. Triggering events may include light touch to a hypersensitive area, a draft of air, exposure to heat or cold, eating, smiling, talking, or drinking hot or cold beverages. It occurs most commonly in people older than age 40. Bell's palsy is a disease of cranial nerve VII that produces unilateral or bilateral facial weakness or paralysis. Migraine headaches are throbbing vascular headaches that usually begin to occur in childhood or adolescence. Headache pain may emanate from the pain-sensitive structures of the skin, scalp, muscles, arteries, and veins; cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X; or cervical nerves 1, 2, and 3. Occasionally, jaw pain may indicate angina pectoris
A client with a neurologic impairment reports having problems with constipation. Which foods might the nurse recommend?
vegetables Explanation: Vegetables are high in fiber. Fiber increases fecal bulk and pulls water into the feces, promoting regular bowel movements. Ice cream, meat, and white rice are low in fiber.
