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 ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. While it is a serious condition, it is not directly associated with portal hypertension in patients with late-stage cirrhosis. Portal hypertension primarily affects the liver and its associated blood vessels, leading to complications within the portal circulation system rather than systemic venous thrombosis.
Choice B reason: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and it is a common complication of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Increased pressure in the portal vein leads to leakage of fluid into the abdominal cavity, causing distension and discomfort. Ascites can significantly impact the patient's quality of life and requires careful management.
Choice C reason: Splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, is another potential complication of portal hypertension. The increased pressure in the portal vein can cause blood to back up into the spleen, leading to its enlargement. Splenomegaly can result in hypersplenism, where the spleen becomes overactive and destroys blood cells, contributing to anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia.
Choice D reason: Esophageal varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus that develop as a result of portal hypertension. The increased pressure in the portal vein causes blood to divert through collateral vessels, including those in the esophagus. These varices can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding, making them a critical complication to monitor in patients with cirrhosis.
Choice E reason: Increased platelet levels are not typically seen in patients with portal hypertension. In fact, portal hypertension and cirrhosis often lead to thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, due to splenic sequestration and reduced platelet production. Thrombocytopenia is a more common finding in this patient population.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vasopressin (Desmopressin) is not primarily used to decrease blood pressure. It is an antidiuretic hormone that helps manage diabetes insipidus by reducing urine output. While vasopressin can have vasoconstrictive effects, its primary role in this context is to control urine production, not blood pressure.
Choice B reason: The primary therapeutic outcome of vasopressin (Desmopressin) in a patient with diabetes insipidus is to decrease urine output. Diabetes insipidus leads to excessive urine production and dehydration. Vasopressin acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption, thereby reducing urine volume and helping to maintain fluid balance.
Choice C reason: Level of consciousness is not a direct therapeutic outcome of vasopressin (Desmopressin). While managing fluid balance can indirectly affect a patient's overall condition and well-being, vasopressin specifically targets the kidneys to reduce urine output and does not have a direct impact on consciousness levels.
Choice D reason: Specific gravity refers to the concentration of solutes in the urine. While vasopressin can affect the specific gravity by concentrating the urine and reducing volume, the primary therapeutic goal is to manage urine output in patients with diabetes insipidus. The focus is on reducing the excessive urine production rather than altering specific gravity.
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.