A nurse assesses a patient who experienced a spinal cord injury at the T5 level 24 hours ago. Which manifestations would the nurse correlate with neurogenic shock? Select all that apply.
Increased oxygen saturation.
Urine output less than 30 mL/hr.
Decreased level of consciousness.
Heart rate of 34 beats/min.
Correct Answer : B,D
Choice A reason:
Increased oxygen saturation is not typically associated with neurogenic shock. Neurogenic shock usually involves bradycardia, hypotension, and potential respiratory issues, but not an increase in oxygen saturation.
Choice B reason:
Urine output less than 30 mL/hr is a sign of decreased perfusion to the kidneys, which can occur in neurogenic shock due to hypotension. This reduced urine output is a concerning manifestation that the nurse should monitor closely.
Choice C reason:
A decreased level of consciousness can be related to many factors, including hypoxia, hypotension, or other complications from the spinal cord injury. While it is an important sign to monitor, it is not a definitive marker of neurogenic shock.
Choice D reason:
A heart rate of 34 beats/min (bradycardia) is a common sign of neurogenic shock, which results from the loss of sympathetic tone due to the spinal cord injury. Bradycardia and hypotension are key indicators of neurogenic shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assessing the client's serum sodium level is the priority action. The symptoms of generalized edema, decreased urine output, acute confusion, and muscle weakness are suggestive of possible hyponatremia or other electrolyte imbalances, which can be critical in the postoperative period following a craniotomy. Checking the serum sodium level will provide essential information to guide further treatment.
Choice B reason:
While continuing to monitor the client's urinary output is important, it does not address the immediate need to diagnose and correct a potential electrolyte imbalance. The nurse needs to take action to determine the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms.
Choice C reason:
Increasing the rate of the IV infusion could potentially worsen the patient's condition, especially if the symptoms are related to fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance. This action should only be taken based on specific clinical indications and after appropriate assessments.
Choice D reason:
Administering desmopressin IV per protocol is not appropriate as the first action without confirming the underlying cause of the symptoms. Desmopressin is used for specific conditions such as diabetes insipidus, and its administration should be based on a confirmed diagnosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering Atropine can increase the heart rate, but it is not the immediate first action. The priority is to stop the stimulus causing the vagal response, which in this case is the suctioning.
Choice B reason:
Calling the healthcare provider is important, but the immediate action should be to stop the suctioning to eliminate the cause of the vagal response. Once the immediate issue is addressed, notifying the provider can follow.
Choice C reason:
Continuing to clear the airway can exacerbate the vagal response and worsen the patient's condition. The immediate action should be to stop the suctioning.
Choice D reason:
Stopping the suctioning is the best immediate action to take when the patient becomes diaphoretic, nauseous, and experiences a significant drop in heart rate. This response is likely due to vagal stimulation, and stopping the suctioning will help alleviate the symptoms.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.