Practice Question
On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which is the best response by the nurse?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
"It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."
Rationale:
🌸 Spinal shock causes temporary flaccid paralysis, masking true neurologic function.
🌸 Once spinal shock resolves, clinicians can assess residual function and prognosis.
🌸 Giving false reassurance or definitive predictions may mislead or distress the family.
🌸 This response communicates truth with compassion, promoting trust and appropriate expectation.
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This question is from ATI LPN Medsurg~Neuro Exam which contains 44 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department who has a preliminary diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following diagnostic testing should the nurse anticipate the provider to prescribe?
Answer Choices:
A. Computerized tomography angiography (CTA)
B. Complete blood count (CBC)
C. Prothrombin time (PT)
D. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching to a client who has epilepsy. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?
Answer Choices:
A. Placing padding around or under the patient's head
B. Positioning the patient on the side once the relaxation stage is entered to allow oral secretions to drain
C. Have the necessary equipment and/or personnel in case the patient doesn't spontaneously breath when the seizure is over
D. Insert a tongue depressor in the patient's mouth
E. Note the time the seizure started
A nurse is providing discharge instruction to a client who has hypertension that has resulted in a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which of the following information should the nurse discuss with the client regarding blood pressure (BP) management?
Answer Choices:
A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.
B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.
C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.
D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.
Which signs and symptoms characterize expressive aphasia?
Answer Choices:
A. Difficulty initiating speech
B. Difficulty understanding the written and spoken word
C. Total inability to communicate
D. Stuttering and spitting
Which neurologic finding would be considered abnormal in an 88-year-old patient?
Answer Choices:
A. Dizziness and problems with balance
B. Slow papillary response to light
C. Jerky eye movements
D. Absence of the Achilles tendon jerk
Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Medical-Surgical
- Answer Choices: 4
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