A 17-year old was injured after diving into shallow water. He was transported to the emergency department where imaging indicated he suffered a spinal cord injury. Based on this information, what mechanism likely caused the spinal cord injury?
hyperextension
compression
flexion-rotation
flexion
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Rationale: hyperextension is when the neck is bent backward beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen in a rear-end collision or a fall on the back of the head.
Choice B Rationale: A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding structures, such as the vertebrae, ligaments, or discs. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma, which can result from direct impact, penetration, or excessive force on the spine. Diving into shallow water can cause compression of the spine, which means that the vertebrae are pushed together and squeeze the spinal cord. This can damage the nerve fibers and disrupt the communication between the brain and the body. Compression injuries can affect any part of the spine, but are more common in the cervical and thoracic regions.
Choice C Rationale: flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time. This can happen in a sports injury or a violent assault.
Choice D Rationale: This is when the neck is bent forward beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause the posterior part of the vertebral column to compress and fracture, while the anterior part of the spinal cord is stretched and injured. This can happen in a head-on collision or a fall on the face. A flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Linking the pain to nasal stuffiness is not an accurate explanation of trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice B Rationale: Hypoglycemia is not typically related to trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice C Rationale: Releasing catecholamines with infection or stress is not the primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
Choice D Rationale: Pain is often due to stimulation of the affected nerve by pressure and temperature. This is a more accurate and relevant explanation for trigeminal neuralgia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: The patient who developed a new cough after eating breakfast should be seen first. This sudden change in respiratory status during or after eating suggests a potential risk of aspiration, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory distress or pneumonia.
Choice B Rationale: Medication refusal, while important, is not an immediate life threatening issue compared to a new cough with the potential for aspiration.
Choice C Rationale: Although constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not an acute priority compared to a new cough that may indicate a respiratory problem.
Choice D Rationale: A stage II pressure ulcer on the coccyx, while concerning, is not an immediate priority over a potential respiratory issue that requires urgent attention.
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