A patient with a neck fracture at the C3 level is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial treatment in the emergency room. During the initial assessment of the patient, the nurse recognizes the presence of spinal shock on finding:

Flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury

Hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities

Presence of hyperactive reflex activity below the level of the injury

Severe headache, hypertension, and flushed face

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

Flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury are classic signs of spinal shock. Spinal shock is characterized by a temporary loss of all reflexes, motor, and sensory activity below the level of injury, which typically occurs immediately following the injury. Recognizing these signs is crucial for the timely management of the condition.

Choice B reason:

Hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities are more indicative of neurogenic shock rather than spinal shock. Neurogenic shock results from the loss of sympathetic tone following a spinal cord injury, leading to cardiovascular changes. These signs do not specifically indicate spinal shock.

Choice C reason:

The presence of hyperactive reflex activity below the level of the injury is not associated with spinal shock. Spinal shock involves the loss of reflex activity rather than hyperactivity. Hyperactive reflexes might develop later as the spinal cord recovers from the initial shock phase.

Choice D reason:

Severe headache, hypertension, and flushed face are symptoms more commonly associated with autonomic dysreflexia, not spinal shock. Autonomic dysreflexia occurs in patients with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level and is a response to a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. These symptoms are not indicative of spinal shock.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

A serum blood glucose level of 128 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not immediately concerning in the context of organ donation. Blood glucose levels can be managed with insulin if necessary, and this value does not indicate an acute issue requiring immediate intervention.

Choice B reason:

A blood pressure of 83/51 mmHg is critically low and requires immediate action. Low blood pressure can compromise organ perfusion and oxygen delivery, potentially leading to organ damage. In the context of organ donation, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure is essential to ensure the viability of the organs for transplantation.

Choice C reason:

A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Hemoglobin levels are important for oxygen-carrying capacity but are not the priority concern six hours before organ harvesting if the value is within normal limits.

Choice D reason:

A core body temperature of 97.8 degrees F is slightly below normal but not immediately alarming. Mild hypothermia can be addressed with warming measures, and this temperature does not indicate a critical issue that requires urgent action.

A. Suctioning the patient on a regular schedule. B. Adherence to proper hand hygiene. C. Administering antiulcer medication. D. Providing oral care per protocol. E. Elevating the head of the bed.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Suctioning the patient on a regular schedule is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection and trauma to the airway. Suctioning should be done as needed based on clinical assessment.

Choice B reason:

Adherence to proper hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in preventing infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia. Hand hygiene helps prevent the transmission of pathogens.

Choice C reason:

Administering antiulcer medication is important for preventing stress ulcers but is not directly related to preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Choice D reason:

Providing oral care per protocol is essential in reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Oral care helps decrease the bacterial load in the oropharynx and prevent aspiration of contaminated secretions.

Choice E reason:

Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees helps prevent aspiration of gastric contents and is a key practice in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.

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A patient with a neck fracture at the C3 level is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial treatment in the emergency room. During the initial assessment of the patient, the nurse recognizes the presence of spinal shock on finding:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is managing a donor patient six hours prior to the scheduled harvesting of the patient's organs. Which assessment finding requires immediate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse caring for patients who are mechanically ventilated uses best practices to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. What actions are included in this practice?

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

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A patient with a neck fracture at the C3 level is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial treatment in the emergency room. During the initial assessment of the patient, the nurse recognizes the presence of spinal shock on finding:

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