A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and has absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform?
Place the client on clear liquids.
Perform a hemoccult blood test.
Insert a nasogastric tube.
Force the intake of fluids.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Placing the client on clear liquids might not be appropriate in this situation because absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants could indicate a more serious gastrointestinal issue such as ileus or bowel obstruction. Clear liquids may exacerbate these conditions and are not sufficient to address the underlying problem. Therefore, this option is not recommended until the cause of absent bowel sounds is identified and addressed.
Choice B Reason:
Performing a hemoccult blood test is not directly relevant to the situation described. Hemoccult tests are used to detect occult (hidden) blood in stool, which can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. While it's important to assess for gastrointestinal bleeding in some cases, absent bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants suggest a more immediate concern related to gastrointestinal motility rather than bleeding. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate action at this time.
Choice C Reason:
Inserting a nasogastric tube is the most appropriate action in this scenario. Absent bowel sounds in a client with a spinal cord injury can indicate neurogenic bowel dysfunction, which may lead to abdominal distention and discomfort. Inserting a nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach and intestines, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration and providing relief from discomfort. It can also help manage gastrointestinal complications until further assessment and interventions can be implemented.
Choice D Reason:
Forcing the intake of fluids may not be appropriate without further assessment and could potentially worsen the client's condition if there is an underlying gastrointestinal issue leading to absent bowel sounds. Additionally, forcing fluids may not address the potential issue of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paresthesia is appropriate. Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, is a common neurological symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis. It results from damage to the nerves or disruption of nerve signals in the central nervous system.
Choice B Reason:
Nausea and vomiting is inappropriate. While nausea and vomiting can occur in individuals with multiple sclerosis, they are not considered hallmark symptoms of the disease. These symptoms may be associated with other factors such as medications, autonomic dysfunction, or complications such as urinary tract infections.
Choice C Reason:
Dysphagia is appropriate. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis, particularly as the disease progresses. It can result from damage to the nerves that control swallowing muscles or from impaired coordination of swallowing reflexes.
Choice D Reason:
Spasticity is appropriate. Spasticity, or muscle stiffness and involuntary muscle contractions, is a common symptom in individuals with multiple sclerosis. It occurs due to damage to the nerve fibers that control muscle movement and can lead to difficulty with movement, walking, and muscle control.
Choice E Reason:
Vertigo is appropriate. Vertigo, or the sensation of spinning or dizziness, can occur in individuals with multiple sclerosis, particularly if lesions develop in areas of the brain involved in balance and coordination.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Falls is correct. Among individuals aged 65 years and older, falls are the most common cause of spinal cord injuries. As people age, they may experience changes in balance, mobility, and bone density, which can increase their risk of falling. Falls can occur both at home and in other environments, such as during outdoor activities or in healthcare settings. Spinal cord injuries resulting from falls in older adults can have significant consequences, including decreased mobility, chronic pain, and loss of independence.
Choice B Reason:
Gunshot wounds is incorrect. Gunshot wounds can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not the most common cause for individuals aged 65 years and older. Gunshot wounds tend to be more common in younger age groups or in specific contexts such as violence-related incidents, which are less frequent in older adults.
Choice C Reason:
Sporting accidents is incorrect. Sporting accidents can also lead to spinal cord injuries, especially in younger and more active individuals participating in high-impact sports. However, among individuals aged 65 years and older, participation in sporting activities that could result in spinal cord injuries is generally less common compared to younger age groups.
Choice D Reason:
Motor vehicle accidents is incorrect.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, but they are not as common in the elderly population as they are in younger age groups. Older adults may have reduced driving frequency or may be more cautious on the road, which decreases their risk of motor vehicle accidents compared to younger individuals.
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