The nurse understands that hemiplegia involves:

Appeared in: BCCL kharkhanda Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Hemiplegia is defined as the paralysis of one side of the body.
The term 'hemi' means half, and 'plegia' means paralysis, literally translating to paralysis of half the body.
This condition typically results from damage to the contralateral (opposite) side of the brain, most commonly due to a stroke.
It affects the arm, leg, and sometimes the face on a single side.

Option A: This option describes paraparesis. 'Paresis' refers to weakness, not complete paralysis, and 'para' indicates involvement of the lower extremities.
Option C: This is the definition of paraplegia, which is paralysis of both lower extremities, typically resulting from a spinal cord injury below the cervical level.
Option D: This describes a more generalized weakness. If it affects all four limbs, it is quadriparesis. If it affects one side of the body, it is hemiparesis. Hemiplegia is complete paralysis, not just weakness (paresis).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Definition of Hemiplegia helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses caring for patients with hemiplegia must focus on preventing complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through regular repositioning, range-of-motion exercises, and skin assessments.
Patient safety is a primary concern. Interventions include using bed alarms, ensuring a clear path for mobility, and assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) to prevent falls.
Rehabilitation is a key component of care, and nurses collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to help patients regain as much function as possible and adapt to their limitations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'hemiplegia'.
Break down the medical term into its roots: 'hemi-' (meaning half) and '-plegia' (meaning paralysis).
Combine the meanings: 'paralysis of half the body'.
Evaluate the options based on this definition.
Option A and D mention 'paresis,' which means weakness, not paralysis. Eliminate these.
Option C describes 'paralysis of both lower extremities,' which is paraplegia, not hemiplegia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 2 p. 68-70

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 180-182

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 211-213

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.