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 D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

While assisting the client into a wheelchair and coaching deep coughing can be beneficial, it does not specifically describe the technique for performing assistive coughing, which is crucial for a quadriplegic patient who cannot generate effective coughs on their own.

Choice B reason:

Placing the client in a high-Fowler position and encouraging deep breaths can be helpful in enhancing lung expansion and breathing, but it does not address the specific method of assistive coughing, which requires manual assistance to be effective.

Choice C reason:

Placing hands on the lateral chest and pushing inward on exhalation is not the correct technique for assistive coughing. This method may not generate sufficient force to help with airway clearance in a quadriplegic patient.

Choice D reason:

Placing hands below the client's diaphragm and pushing upward with exhalation is the correct technique for assistive coughing, also known as quad coughing. This method helps to increase the force of the cough, allowing for better clearance of secretions from the airway, which is essential for patients with quadriplegia.

A. Hypoxia not responsive to oxygen therapy B. Elevated lactate levels C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Severe, unexplained electrolyte imbalance

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hypoxia not responsive to oxygen therapy is a hallmark early sign of ARDS. ARDS is characterized by acute onset of hypoxemia that does not improve with supplemental oxygen. This refractory hypoxemia is due to severe inflammation and increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange.

Choice B reason:

Elevated lactate levels can indicate tissue hypoxia and metabolic stress, which are concerning findings in critically ill patients. However, elevated lactate is not specific to ARDS and can be seen in various conditions, including sepsis and shock. It is not the primary early indicator of ARDS.

Choice C reason:

Metabolic alkalosis is not typically associated with ARDS. ARDS usually involves respiratory failure, which may lead to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis can occur in other conditions, such as excessive loss of gastric acid or diuretic use, but it is not an early sign of ARDS.

Choice D reason:

Severe, unexplained electrolyte imbalance can occur in critically ill patients but is not specific to ARDS. Electrolyte imbalances can result from various factors, including fluid shifts, renal dysfunction, and medication effects. These imbalances do not serve as an early diagnostic indicator of ARDS.

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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:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which observation indicates to the nurse that a patient with quadriplegia spouse understands performance of assistive coughing (quad cough)?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse interprets which finding as an early sign of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a client at risk?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client in acute respiratory failure who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following assessments is the best method to determine the effectiveness of the current treatments?

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