A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury at the fourth cervical level. Which of the following mobility options should the nurse anticipate for this client?
Manual wheelchair
Sip-and-puff device
Drive-adapted wheelchair
Ultra-light wheelchairs
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Manual wheelchair is inappropriate. A manual wheelchair requires the use of the client's upper extremities to propel the wheelchair forward by pushing on the wheels. With a spinal cord injury at the fourth cervical level, the client may have limited or no function in their upper extremities, making it difficult to self-propel a manual wheelchair.
Choice B Reason:
Sip-and-puff device is appropriate. A sip-and-puff device allows individuals with limited or no hand function to control a powered wheelchair using their breath. This device enables the client to navigate the wheelchair by inhaling or exhaling into a straw-like device, which activates controls to move the wheelchair forward, backward, and turn.
Choice C Reason:
Drive-adapted wheelchair is inappropriate. A drive-adapted wheelchair is a powered wheelchair that can be modified with adaptive controls to accommodate individuals with limited hand function or mobility. These wheelchairs may include joystick controls, head arrays, chin controls, or other adaptive devices that allow the client to operate the wheelchair independently despite limited hand function.
Choice D Reason:
Ultra-light wheelchairs is inappropriate. Ultra-light wheelchairs are manual wheelchairs that are lightweight and often customized to fit the client's specific needs and preferences. While ultra-light wheelchairs may offer advantages in terms of maneuverability and ease of transportation, they still require sufficient upper extremity function to self-propel the wheelchair.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Paralytic ileus is incorrect. Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by obstruction of the intestines due to paralysis of the intestinal muscles, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Paralytic ileus is not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome, which primarily affects the nerves in the lower back and lower extremities.
Choice B Reason:
Blood pressure 80/48 mm Hg is incorrect. While cauda equina syndrome can cause neurological symptoms such as lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction, it is not typically associated with alterations in blood pressure. Blood pressure changes may occur in response to pain or other systemic factors, but they are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
Choice C Reason:
Weakness in one or both legs is correct. Yes, weakness in one or both legs is a characteristic finding of cauda equina syndrome. Compression of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord can lead to motor deficits, including weakness, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the lower extremities.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L is incorrect. Serum potassium levels are not typically associated with cauda equina syndrome. Abnormal potassium levels may be indicative of electrolyte imbalances, which can occur in various medical conditions but are not specific to cauda equina syndrome.
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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