A nursing student studying spinal cord injury recognizes all of the following to be causes of secondary injuries:
Autonomic dysreflexia
Ischemia
Edema
Axial loading
Hemorrhage
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A reason:
Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious condition that can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, particularly those at or above the T6 level. It is a secondary injury mechanism that results from the autonomic nervous system's abnormal response to stimuli below the level of injury, leading to severe hypertension and other complications.
Choice B reason:
Ischemia, or reduced blood flow, is a common cause of secondary injury following a spinal cord injury. It can result from initial trauma or subsequent swelling and vascular damage, leading to further cell death and tissue damage.
Choice C reason:
Edema, or swelling, is another cause of secondary injury in spinal cord injuries. The inflammatory response to injury can cause fluid accumulation, increasing pressure within the spinal column and exacerbating damage to spinal cord tissues.
Choice D reason:
Axial loading is a primary mechanism of spinal cord injury, not a secondary injury cause. It refers to the vertical force applied along the axis of the spine, typically resulting from falls or direct blows, leading to compression and potential fractures.
Choice E reason:
Hemorrhage, or bleeding, is a significant cause of secondary injury in spinal cord trauma. It can result from blood vessel damage at the injury site, leading to increased pressure, further tissue damage, and impaired blood flow.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring sodium levels is important when administering mannitol, but it is not the primary indicator of the drug's effectiveness. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial pressure, and its effectiveness is better assessed by other means.
Choice B reason:
Fluid intake is important to monitor to ensure proper hydration status, but it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. The primary focus should be on the patient's output to assess the diuretic effect.
Choice C reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential for overall patient care but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of mannitol. Changes in heart rate can occur due to various factors and are not specific to mannitol's action.
Choice D reason:
Urine output is the most direct measure of mannitol's effectiveness. As an osmotic diuretic, mannitol promotes diuresis, and increased urine output indicates that the drug is effectively reducing intracranial pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Palpating the bladder for distention is the first action the nurse should take. The patient's symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia, a condition that can be triggered by bladder distention. Relieving the distention can help resolve the hypertensive crisis.
Choice B reason:
Initiating oxygen via a nasal cannula may be necessary if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress, but it is not the primary intervention for autonomic dysreflexia. The focus should be on identifying and resolving the triggering cause.
Choice C reason:
Placing the patient in a supine position is contraindicated in autonomic dysreflexia as it can worsen the condition by further increasing blood pressure. The patient should be positioned upright if tolerated.
Choice D reason:
Administering a prescribed beta-blocker may help lower blood pressure, but it is not the first action. The underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia must be addressed to prevent recurrence.
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