The nurse is instructing a patient about preparations needed for ...

[erika]

The nurse is instructing a patient about preparations needed for an electromyogram. Which patient statement indicates that further teaching is required?
 
  1. I will not smoke any cigarettes up to three hours before the test.
  2. It will be all right to have a glass of water before the test.
  3. I can take my Flexaril before having my test so that my back won't hurt.
  4. I can take my lisinopril the night before my test for my blood pressure.

Question 2

The nurse would document unable to assess for which patient in relation to performing Phalen's test?
 
  1. a patient with a long leg cast
  2. a patient with an above-the-elbow amputation
  3. a patient wearing compression stockings
  4. a patient with osteoarthritis of the hips

[popopong]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
: The patient should not take medications such as muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, or cholinergics prior to testing since the purpose of the test is to measure the electrical activity of skeletal muscles at rest and during contraction. The muscle relaxant Flexaril will alter the results of the function of the skeletal muscles. The patient is showing his understanding of the instructions for the test when he states that he will not smoke before the test. It is acceptable to have water before the test as long as there is no intake of fluid with caffeine prior to testing. The patient may take his lisinopril for his blood pressure the night before the test.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Phalen's test involves holding the wrists in acute flexion against one another for 60 seconds, which isn't possible following upper extremity amputation. Numbness and burning in the fingers could indicate carpal tunnel syndrome. The presence of a leg cast, compression stocking, or hip pain would not deter the nurse from completing the exam.

[erika]

Thank you

[popopong]

No problemo