A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who has a cervical spinal cord injury from a fall. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications? (Select all that apply.)

Weakened gag reﬂex

Hyperthermia

Absence of bowel sounds

Paralysis

Polyuria

Hypotension

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C,D,F

Choice A: A cervical spinal cord injury can impair the function of cranial nerves, leading to a weakened gag reflex and an increased risk of aspiration.

Choice B: Patients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience poikilothermia (difficulty regulating body temperature), but this often results in hypothermia, not hyperthermia, due to the loss of autonomic temperature control.

Choice C: Spinal shock, which often follows a spinal cord injury, can cause decreased or absent bowel sounds due to a temporary loss of autonomic function and decreased peristalsis.

Choice D: Depending on the level and severity of the injury, paralysis can occur, affecting motor function below the injury site. A cervical spinal cord injury may lead to quadriplegia (tetraplegia).

Choice E: Clients with spinal cord injuries are more likely to experience urinary retention, rather than polyuria, due to loss of bladder control and autonomic dysfunction. A foley catheter may be needed initially, followed by intermittent catheterization.

Choice F: Neurogenic shock, a potential complication of cervical spinal cord injuries, can cause hypotension due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system control over blood vessel tone, leading to vasodilation and bradycardia.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because droplet precautions are not sufficient to prevent the transmission of pneumonic plague. Droplet precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious agents that are expelled through coughing, sneezing, or talking and travel only a short distance in the air. Droplet precautions include wearing a surgical mask, gown, and gloves, and placing the client in a private room or with a roommate who has the same infection.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because administering an antitoxin is not an intervention for pneumonic plague. An antitoxin is a substance that neutralizes the eﬀects of a toxin produced by a microorganism. Pneumonic plague is not caused by a toxin, but by a bacterial infection.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because initiating airborne precautions is an intervention for pneumonic plague. Airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious agents that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances. Pneumonic plague is a severe and potentially fatal infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which can be transmited through respiratory droplets or aerosols. Airborne precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious agents that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances. Airborne precautions include wearing a respirator or N95 mask, placing the client in a negative-pressure room with an air filtration system, and limiting visitors and staﬀ contact.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because destroying the linens after use is not an intervention for pneumonic plague. Linens that are contaminated with body ﬂuids or secretions should be handled with gloves and placed in leak-proof bags for laundering or disposal, but they do not need to be destroyed.

A. Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG. B. Initiate oxygen therapy. C. Insert the IV catheter. D. Obtain a blood sample.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.

Choice A reason:

Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.

Choice B reason:

Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.

Choice C reason:

Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.

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A nurse in the emergency department is monitoring a client who has a cervical spinal cord injury from a fall. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications? (Select all that apply.)

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