Which of the following nursing diagnoses is appropriate for a patient with acute lateral sclerosis (ALS)?
A) Chronic confusion
B) Impaired urinary elimination
C) Impaired verbal communication
D) Bowel incontinence
Ans: C
Feedback: Impaired communication is an appropriate nursing diagnosis, as the voice in patients with ALS assumes a nasal sound, and articulation becomes so disrupted that speech is unintelligible. Intellectual function is not impaired in patients with ALS. Usually, the anal and bladder sphincters are intact because the spinal nerves that control muscles of the rectum and urinary bladder are not affected.
You might also like to view...
A parent reports that his 7-year-old child is very short compared to his peers, and his teeth came in slowly when he was younger. After searching the Internet the parent is worried about growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate? A. "GHD is the only cause of the symptoms you describe." B. "Has your child ever had his thyroid evaluated?" C. "I will refer your child to an endocrinologist right away." D. "What did the dentist say about his teeth being delayed?"
A nurse is caring for a patient with biliary colic and is aware that the patient may experience referred abdominal pain. Where would the nurse most likely expect this patient to experience referred pain?
A) Midline near the umbilicus B) Below the right nipple C) Left groin area D) Right lower abdominal quadrant
A nurse is describing the risks associated with prolonged pregnancies as part of an inservice presentation. Which of the following would the nurse be least likely to incorporate in the discussion as an underlying reason for problems in the fetus?
A) Aging of the placenta B) Increased amniotic fluid volume C) Meconium aspiration D) Cord compression
The primary care NP performs a physical examination on an 89-year-old patient who is about to enter a skilled nursing facility. The patient reports having had chickenpox as a child. The NP should:
a. obtain a varicella titer. b. administer the Varivax vaccine. c. give the patient the Zostavax vaccine. d. plan to prescribe Zovirax if the patient is exposed to shingles.