ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageHard
A nurse is documenting a patient's progress in their electronic health record. The patient reports experiencing 'paresthesia' in their left arm. Which of the following is the most appropriate description to document, based on the patient's report?
- APatient reports sharp pain in left arm.
- BPatient reports weakness in left arm.
- CPatient reports numbness and tingling in left arm.
- DPatient reports swelling in left arm.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Patient reports numbness and tingling in left arm.
Paresthesia is a medical term describing an abnormal sensation, typically tingling or prickling ('pins and needles'), caused by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves. Therefore, documenting 'numbness and tingling' accurately reflects the patient's report of paresthesia.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sharp pain is often neuralgia or acute pain, distinct from paresthesia.
- B. Weakness is paresis or paralysis, not paresthesia.
- D. Swelling is edema, not paresthesia.
Paresthesia
An abnormal sensation, typically tingling or prickling, often described as 'pins and needles', caused by nerve irritation or damage.
- Sensory symptom, not motor
- Can be temporary (e.g., limb 'falling asleep') or chronic
- Indicates nerve involvement
- Often associated with conditions like neuropathy, stroke, or nerve compression
Memory trick: Nerve feelings vary, know your 'esthesias' to pinpoint the problem.