A client who suffered an electrical injury with the entrance site on the left hand and the exit site on the left foot is admitted to the burn unit. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Continuous cardiac monitoring

Evaluate level of consciousness

Perform passive range of motion

Assess lung sounds every 4 hours

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial for a client who has suffered an electrical injury. Electrical injuries can cause arrhythmias and other cardiac complications, which may not be immediately apparent. Continuous monitoring allows for the early detection and treatment of any cardiac abnormalities, which is vital for the patient's safety and recovery.

Choice B reason: Evaluating the level of consciousness is important for any patient, especially those with significant injuries, but it is not the most critical intervention in this scenario. While neurological assessments are part of comprehensive care, the immediate risk posed by cardiac complications from the electrical injury takes precedence.

Choice C reason: Performing passive range of motion exercises is beneficial for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in immobile patients. However, it is not the most urgent intervention in the context of an electrical injury, where cardiac monitoring is paramount.

Choice D reason: Assessing lung sounds every 4 hours is a valuable part of monitoring for respiratory complications, particularly in burn patients. However, the immediate cardiac risks associated with electrical injuries necessitate continuous cardiac monitoring as the priority intervention.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Polyuria and excessive thirst are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus and indicate the body's inability to retain water due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). While these symptoms need to be managed, they are not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypernatremia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L) indicates severe hypernatremia, which is an immediate medical emergency. Severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and even coma due to the osmotic shift of water out of brain cells. Immediate intervention is required to correct the sodium imbalance and prevent serious complications.

Choice C reason: An apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which can be associated with dehydration and the body's response to maintain cardiac output. While it is a concern, it does not take precedence over the need to address severe hypernatremia.

Choice D reason: Dry skin with inelastic turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a common issue in diabetes insipidus due to excessive fluid loss. While this requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypernatremia, which poses a direct and urgent threat to the client's neurological and overall health.

A. Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities B. Reports of chest pain and shortness of breath C. Pain and a burning sensation upon urination and hematuria D. Profuse diaphoresis and severe, pounding headache

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypotension and venous pooling in the extremities are typically signs of neurogenic shock, which occurs immediately after a spinal cord injury. However, autonomic dysreflexia is characterized by severe hypertension, not hypotension. The symptoms in this scenario do not fit the presentation of autonomic dysreflexia.

Choice B reason: Reports of chest pain and shortness of breath are not the primary symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. While autonomic dysreflexia can cause a variety of symptoms due to uncontrolled sympathetic nervous system activity, the hallmark symptoms are severe hypertension and headache, along with other specific signs like diaphoresis.

Choice C reason: Pain and a burning sensation upon urination and hematuria indicate a urinary tract infection or another urological issue, not autonomic dysreflexia. While a full bladder is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, the symptoms described in this choice do not accurately reflect the condition.

Choice D reason: Profuse diaphoresis and a severe, pounding headache are classic symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition results from an overactive autonomic nervous system response to stimuli below the level of the injury, such as a full bladder. The resulting vasoconstriction leads to severe hypertension and symptoms like headache and sweating above the level of injury.

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A client who suffered an electrical injury with the entrance site on the left hand and the exit site on the left foot is admitted to the burn unit. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI). Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?Reference Range: Sodium 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client who had a C5 spinal cord injury 2 years ago is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with the diagnosis of autonomic dysreflexia secondary to a full bladder. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect this client to exhibit?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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