A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse would carefully monitor the client for which of the following manifestations?

Severe, throbbing headache

Hypotension

Fever

Cyanosis of the head and neck

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason : A severe, throbbing headache is a common and significant manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. This condition is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, typically above the T6 level. The headache results from a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure due to an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system to a stimulus below the level of the injury.

Choice B reason: Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. In fact, the condition is characterized by hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a critical sign that requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as stroke or seizure.

Choice C reason: Fever is not a direct manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. While a fever may indicate an infection or other systemic issue, autonomic dysreflexia itself is specifically associated with a rapid onset of high blood pressure and other autonomic disturbances.

Choice D reason: Cyanosis of the head and neck, which refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood, is not a typical manifestation of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition primarily causes hypertension and its associated symptoms, rather than issues with oxygenation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye, known as the oculocephalic reflex or 'doll's eye' maneuver, is a method used to assess brainstem function in an unresponsive patient. However, this should be done with caution and is generally avoided if there is a suspicion of a neck injury or increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common method to elicit a response to painful stimuli. It is considered a less invasive and safer initial approach to assess the patient's response to pain without causing harm.

Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle to elicit a response is not a standard practice and can be harmful. It poses a risk of skin puncture and infection, and it is not an appropriate method for assessing a patient's level of consciousness.

Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess the deep tendon reflexes, which can provide information about the integrity of the nervous system. However, it is not typically used as a method to elicit a response to painful stimuli in an unresponsive patient.

A. Droplet precautions B. Standard precautions C. Airborne precautions D. Contact precautions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Droplet precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through large respiratory droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. AIDS, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is not transmitted through respiratory droplets, so droplet precautions are not necessary for a client with AIDS.

Choice B reason: Standard precautions are the primary strategy for the prevention of infection transmission and apply to all patients receiving care in hospitals, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. These precautions include hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and gowns, and safe injection practices. Since HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through blood and certain body fluids, standard precautions are essential when caring for clients with AIDS.

Choice C reason: Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted by small droplet nuclei that remain suspended in the air and can be widely dispersed by air currents within a room or over a long distance. HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through the airborne route, so airborne precautions are not indicated for clients with AIDS.

Choice D reason: Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct contact with the patient or indirect contact with surfaces or patient care items. While HIV can be present in body fluids, it is not easily transmitted through casual contact. Therefore, contact precautions are not specifically required for clients with AIDS unless they have other conditions that warrant such precautions.

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A client with a spinal cord injury is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse would carefully monitor the client for which of the following manifestations?

Nursing Test Bank

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