The nurse is observing a client's ambulation abilities and notes ...

[piesebel]

The nurse is observing a client's ambulation abilities and notes a scissors gait. Based on this data, which does the nurse suspect?
 
  1. Parkinson disease.
  2. Multiple sclerosis.
  3. Myasthenia gravis.
  4. Muscular dystrophy.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing cognitive function in a client who experienced a cerebral vascular accident (CVA). Which should the nurse focus on during the assessment process?
 
  1. Ability to smell items while eyes are closed.
  2. Orientation to time, place, and person.
  3. Ability to walk with a smooth, steady gait.
  4. Ability to speak clearly.

[atrochim]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
A scissors gait is characterized by spastic lower limb movement with stiffness and jerkiness. The knees come together, the legs come in front of each other, and the legs are abducted as short, slow steps are taken. This gait is associated with multiple sclerosis. The client with Parkinson disease displays stooped posture a shuffling gait. This is known as a festination gait. The client with myasthenia gravis has muscle weakness, and facial abnormalities such as ptosis are consistent with the condition. The client with muscular dystrophy has muscle weakness and may present with a waddling gait or walk on the toes to promote balance.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Cognitive function refers to mental abilities. The assessment of mental abilities may be performed by determining the client's orientation to time, place, and person. The ability to smell objectives while the eyes are closed is a means of assessing cranial nerve function. The ability to walk smoothly with a steady gait and to speak clearly are items that may be included in the assessment of a client who has had a cerebral vascular accident but these reflect motor function and do not reflect cognitive abilities.