Basic Care and Comfort NCLEX PN Questions Nursing Practice Question
The nurse learns at shift report that the immobile client has bilateral foot drop. Which finding during the nurse's assessment supports the presence of foot drop?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B is the most indicative of foot drop, as it describes an inability to maintain the feet in a neutral position, which is a hallmark of this condition. Foot drop causes the toes to point downward, making it difficult to keep the feet perpendicular to the legs.
A is incorrect because a dorsiflexed great toe and fanned-out toes suggest some muscle function, not characteristic of foot drop.
C is misleading; while foot drop affects dorsiflexion, the inability to perform plantar flexion alone does not confirm foot drop.
D is also inaccurate, as it implies some ability to dorsiflex, which contradicts the definition of foot drop, where such movement is impaired.