NCLEX PN Exam Practice Test with NGN Practice Question

Scenario/Extract:

Emergency Department
0800: A 43-year-old client comes to the emergency department due to lower
back pain and bilateral leg weakness. The client reports that the
weakness began 3 days ago in the feet and has gradually worsened.
The client sought treatment today after becoming "so weak that I fell
while walking" and noticing new hand weakness and difficulty
swallowing. Back pain radiates down both legs and is rated as 5 on a
scale of 0-10. The client recently recovered from an illness with flu-like
symptoms. The client reports a history of hypertension and takes no
medications. Assessment of the lower extremities reveals muscle
strength of 2/5 and decreased sensation to pinprick. Achilles tendon
and patellar reflexes are decreased.
1000:
The client reports difficulty raising the arms and inability to squeeze the
fingers. The client reports chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
1030:
The client is breathless while speaking. Respirations are shallow and
labored. The client is diaphoretic. The skin is pale and cool. No
audible wheezing or stridor is present.