Immediately following a spinal cord injury, a patient asks about the extent of impairment that will result from the injury. The best response by the nurse is:

The extent of your injury cannot be determined until any secondary injury to the cord has resolved.

An MRI can reveal the extent of cord damage.

You will have normal function when spinal shock resolves and the reflex arc returns.

Because rehabilitation can affect the return of function, it will be years before impairment can be determined.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason:

The extent of impairment following a spinal cord injury cannot be determined until any secondary injury to the cord has resolved. Secondary injury, such as inflammation and swelling, can worsen the initial damage and impact the long-term prognosis.

Choice B reason:

An MRI can reveal the extent of cord damage but does not provide a complete picture of the potential functional outcomes. The full extent of impairment cannot be determined solely by imaging.

Choice C reason:

Stating that the patient will have normal function when spinal shock resolves and the reflex arc returns is misleading and overly optimistic. Not all patients will regain normal function after a spinal cord injury, and outcomes vary.

Choice D reason:

While rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery, stating that it will be years before impairment can be determined is not entirely accurate. Functional outcomes can often be assessed sooner as the initial recovery phase progresses.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Mechanical ventilation is not typically required for patients with rib fractures unless there is severe respiratory compromise or other underlying issues that necessitate ventilatory support.

Choice B reason:

Preparing for a chest tube is not generally required for isolated rib fractures unless there is an associated pneumothorax or hemothorax. Chest tubes are used to manage complications that involve air or blood in the pleural space.

Choice C reason:

Needle decompression is performed in emergencies to relieve tension pneumothorax. This procedure is not indicated for simple rib fractures without evidence of a tension pneumothorax.

Choice D reason:

An intercostal nerve block for pain management is an appropriate intervention for a patient with rib fractures. It helps control pain, allowing the patient to breathe deeply and cough effectively, which is important for preventing complications such as pneumonia.

A. Flaccid paralysis and lack of sensation below the level of the injury B. Hypotension, bradycardia, and warm extremities C. Presence of hyperactive reflex activity below the level of the injury D. Severe headache, hypertension, and flushed face

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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Immediately following a spinal cord injury, a patient asks about the extent of impairment that will result from the injury. The best response by the nurse is:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Immediately following a spinal cord injury, a patient asks about the extent of impairment that will result from the injury. The best response by the nurse is: