A nurse is caring for a patient who experienced a cervical spine injury 12 hours ago and is experiencing spinal shock. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate giving?
Albumin
Nitroprusside
Dexamethasone
Furosemide
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Albumin is a plasma expander and is typically used to restore blood volume in cases of shock, burns, or trauma. However, it is not specifically indicated for managing spinal shock. Albumin helps in maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance but does not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of spinal shock.
Choice B reason: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to manage hypertensive crises. It works by rapidly reducing blood pressure through vasodilation. In the context of spinal shock, where hypotension is a concern, administering nitroprusside would be inappropriate as it could exacerbate the hypotensive state and worsen the patient's condition.
Choice C reason: Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to reduce inflammation and edema around the spinal cord following an injury. The anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone help to mitigate secondary damage caused by swelling and pressure on the spinal cord tissue. It is commonly administered in cases of acute spinal cord injuries to improve neurological outcomes and manage symptoms of spinal shock.
Choice D reason: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload and edema. It works by increasing urine output, which can help reduce fluid retention in various conditions, such as heart failure and renal impairment. However, it is not specifically indicated for the management of spinal shock and does not address the underlying causes of spinal cord injury-related inflammation and edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fever is a common sign of acute pancreatitis and indicates an inflammatory response. Inflammation of the pancreas can trigger the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, leading to an elevated body temperature. This is a common symptom observed in many cases of acute pancreatitis and suggests an ongoing inflammatory process.
Choice B reason: Gray-blue discoloration of the flank or umbilical area, also known as Grey Turner's sign and Cullen's sign respectively, indicates bleeding and severe inflammation within the pancreas. These signs are indicative of retroperitoneal hemorrhage or pancreatic necrosis, which are severe complications of acute pancreatitis. The presence of such discoloration is a significant finding that suggests a more serious form of the condition.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, patients with acute pancreatitis are more likely to experience hypotension due to fluid shifts, inflammatory responses, and potential hemorrhage. Monitoring blood pressure is important in these patients to manage any potential complications.
Choice D reason: Decreased amylase level is not an expected finding in acute pancreatitis. Typically, acute pancreatitis is associated with elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes such as amylase and lipase due to inflammation and damage to the pancreatic cells, which release these enzymes into the bloodstream.
Choice E reason: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in acute pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas and the associated pain can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain and lead to nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are often severe and can significantly affect the patient's comfort and hydration status.
Choice F reason: Severe abdominal pain is one of the hallmark signs of acute pancreatitis. The pain is typically located in the upper abdomen and may radiate to the back. It is often described as constant and severe, and can be exacerbated by eating or lying flat. Effective pain management is a critical aspect of caring for patients with acute pancreatitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a procedure used to open narrowed coronary arteries, usually with a balloon or stent. It is not a diagnostic test for assessing heart valves but rather a treatment for coronary artery disease.
Choice B reason: Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the heart's structures, including the heart valves. It allows for the assessment of valve function, structure, and blood flow, making it an essential tool for diagnosing valvular heart disease.
Choice C reason: Exercise testing, also known as a stress test, evaluates the heart's response to physical activity. While it can provide information on how well the heart handles increased workload and detect issues like ischemia, it is not specifically used for assessing heart valves.
Choice D reason: Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart and is used to detect arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions. However, it does not provide detailed information about the heart valves' structure or function.
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.