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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: The statement "Headaches can occur due to the vasoconstriction effect of the medication" is incorrect. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, not vasoconstriction. Vasodilation increases blood flow, which can lead to headaches as a common side effect.

Choice B reason: Offering Morphine to manage the headache is not the most appropriate initial response. While Morphine can relieve pain, it's essential to educate the patient about the common side effects of Nitroglycerin and provide reassurance. Morphine use should be carefully considered and is typically reserved for more severe pain management.

Choice C reason: Notifying the physician immediately is not necessary in this scenario, as a headache is a known and common side effect of Nitroglycerin. It's more appropriate to educate the patient about the side effects and provide reassurance. Only if the headache is severe and unrelieved by other measures should the physician be notified.

Choice D reason: Explaining that the headache is a normal side effect of Nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels, is the most appropriate response. This helps to reassure the patient and provides an understanding of why the headache is occurring. Nitroglycerin works by dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce angina symptoms, and headaches are a common side effect due to this vasodilation.

A. Maintain nothing by mouth (NPO) and administer intravenous fluids. B. Provide small, frequent feedings with no concentrated sweets. C. Administer morphine sulfate intramuscularly every 4 hours as needed. D. Position the patient in a flat, supine position to decrease discomfort.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Maintaining nothing by mouth (NPO) and administering intravenous fluids is the best intervention to reduce discomfort in a patient with acute pancreatitis. NPO status helps to rest the pancreas by preventing the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that can exacerbate inflammation and pain. Intravenous fluids are essential to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance while the patient is not eating or drinking.

Choice B reason: Providing small, frequent feedings with no concentrated sweets is not appropriate for a patient with acute pancreatitis. The priority is to keep the patient NPO to rest the pancreas. Introducing any food can stimulate the pancreas and worsen the condition.

Choice C reason: Administering morphine sulfate intramuscularly every 4 hours as needed can help manage pain, but the preferred route for pain medication in acute pancreatitis is intravenous, as it provides quicker relief and avoids the discomfort of intramuscular injections. Pain management is important, but it should be part of a broader plan that includes NPO status and IV fluids.

Choice D reason: Positioning the patient in a flat, supine position is not recommended for reducing discomfort in acute pancreatitis. Patients often find relief in a semi-Fowler's position (head elevated) or by leaning forward, which can help reduce abdominal pain and pressure on the inflamed pancreas.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with angina is receiving Nitroglycerin and begins to complain of a severe headache. What is the most appropriate response from the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse plans care for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which intervention would the nurse include in this patient's plan of care to reduce discomfort?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse plans care for a patient with burn injuries. Which interventions would the nurse include in this patient's plan of care to ensure adequate nutrition? Select all that apply.

The nurse has completed an assessment on a client with heart failure and a decreased cardiac output with an ejection fraction of 30%. Which finding should receive the highest priority?

A patient has a traumatic brain injury. The nurse assesses the following: Pulse change from 82 to 60 beats/min, Pulse pressure increase from 26 to 40 mm Hg, and Respiratory irregularities. What action by the nurse takes priority?

A 35-year-old patient arrives at the Emergency Department in acute respiratory failure. What assessment information does the nurse prioritize as needing immediate action?

The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient with sepsis and has received orders from the physician. What order should the nurse implement first?

A nurse cares for a patient recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery. The patient asks, "Why will I need to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?" What is the best response by the nurse?

A nurse cares for a patient who has burn injuries. The patient's wife asks, "When will his high risk for infection decrease?" How would the nurse respond?