A client with a cervical spinal injury (C7) is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should first assess the client for which precipitating factor?
An acutely distended bladder.
Profuse forehead diaphoresis.
Skeletal traction misalignment.
A severe pounding headache.
The Correct Answer is A
A. One of the most common triggers is a distended bladder. When the bladder becomes full, it sends signals to the spinal cord, but due to the injury, these signals are unable to pass beyond the level of injury. This results in uncontrolled sympathetic activation, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, sweating, and headache.
B. Forehead diaphoresis, or sweating, is a potential symptom of autonomic dysreflexia. However, it is more of a consequence rather than a precipitating factor. It occurs as a result of sympathetic nervous system activation in response to the triggering stimulus.
C. Skeletal traction misalignment is not a common precipitating factor for autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is typically triggered by stimuli related to visceral or autonomic reflexes, such as bladder distention or bowel impaction, rather than mechanical issues like traction misalignment.
D. A severe pounding headache can occur as a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the primary precipitating factor. The headache is a result of the sudden increase in blood pressure that occurs during autonomic dysreflexia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe upper abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back, fever, and vomiting. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are characteristic laboratory findings in acute pancreatitis, indicating pancreatic injury or inflammation. The client's symptoms and laboratory results are consistent with acute pancreatitis.
A. Hepatorenal failure, also known as hepatorenal syndrome, is a serious complication of advanced liver disease where there is progressive renal failure in the setting of liver dysfunction. While hepatorenal syndrome can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, it is not typically associated with significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.
C. Biliary duct obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts, leading to impaired flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. While biliary duct obstruction can cause symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and vomiting, it is not typically associated with significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.
D. While surgical site infection is a potential complication following cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery), it typically presents with symptoms such as wound redness, swelling, warmth, and purulent drainage from the incision site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Peptic ulcer disease involves the formation of open sores in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. The characteristic symptom of PUD is abdominal pain, typically located in the upper mid abdomen. This pain is often described as gnawing, burning, or aching in nature. The pain may occur shortly after eating, especially when the stomach is empty (gastric ulcer), or it may occur 2-3 hours after eating, typically at night (duodenal ulcer).
A. describes symptoms more suggestive of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastrointestinal sensitivity to spicy foods, leading to cramps and diarrhea, but it is less specific to PUD.
B. indicates frequent use of antacids for indigestion, which may suggest symptoms of acid reflux or gastritis but do not specifically point to the presence of peptic ulcers.
D. suggests more severe systemic issues such as malignancy or chronic diseases rather than solely PUD.
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