The nurse assesses a patient with a recent spinal cord injury at the level of thoracic 5 vertebrae. The patient's blood pressure is 184/95 mm Hg, has a flushed face and blurred vision. What priority action would the nurse complete first?

Notify the health care provider of the patient's status.

Assess patient for tight clothing around the waist or a full bladder.

Review the medication administration record for an antihypertensive order.

Initiate oxygen via a nasal cannula and elevate patient's legs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Notifying the health care provider of the patient's status is an important action, but not the first priority. The nurse should first assess the patient for any possible triggers of the autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in patients with spinal cord injury above the level of T6. It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, flushing, sweating, headache, and blurred vision.

Choice B reason: Assessing patient for tight clothing around the waist or a full bladder is the first priority action. These are common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which cause irritation or stimulation of the nerves below the level of injury. The nurse should remove any tight clothing, catheterize the patient if needed, or perform a bowel evacuation to relieve the pressure and prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Reviewing the medication administration record for an antihypertensive order is a secondary action, after identifying and removing the trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should administer the prescribed antihypertensive medication, such as nifedipine or nitroglycerin, to lower the blood pressure and prevent stroke, seizure, or cardiac arrest.

Choice D reason: Initiating oxygen via a nasal cannula and elevating patient's legs is not an appropriate action for a patient with autonomic dysreflexia. Oxygen therapy is not indicated for this condition, unless the patient has hypoxia or respiratory distress. Elevating the patient's legs can worsen the blood pressure by increasing the venous return and the cardiac output. The nurse should keep the patient in a sitting position to promote the blood flow to the lower extremities and reduce the blood pressure.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Relaxing in a hot bath before bedtime is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Heat can worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as muscle weakness, numbness, and vision problems. Therefore, the patient should avoid hot baths, showers, or saunas, and use cool compresses or fans to lower their body temperature.

Choice B reason: Performing deep breathing exercises every two hours is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety, but it does not address the underlying causes of fatigue, such as inflammation, nerve damage, or sleep problems. Therefore, the patient should consult their doctor for appropriate treatment options and medication adjustments.

Choice C reason: Scheduling short periods of rest throughout the day is the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis, which can affect the patient's daily activities and quality of life. Therefore, the patient should plan their tasks according to their energy level, prioritize the most important ones, and take frequent breaks to conserve their energy and prevent exhaustion.

Choice D reason: Including daily multivitamins in your diet is not the best suggestion to help decrease fatigue for a patient with multiple sclerosis. Multivitamins can provide some nutritional benefits, but they are not a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the patient should eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, and avoid processed, fried, or sugary foods that can increase inflammation and fatigue.

A. Generalized muscle weakness and severe muscle spasms. B. Mental confusion and aggressive behaviors C. Dysarthria and decreased clarity of spoken words D. Impairment of respiratory muscles and cognition remains intact.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Generalized muscle weakness and severe muscle spasms are not late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather early or intermediate symptoms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor neurons that control voluntary muscles. The disease causes muscle weakness, stiffness, twitching, and cramps.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Mental confusion and aggressive behaviors are not common manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather signs of dementia or other psychiatric disorders. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis does not usually affect the cognitive or emotional functions of the brain, except in some rare cases.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Dysarthria and decreased clarity of spoken words are not late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but rather intermediate or advanced symptoms. Dysarthria is a speech disorder that results from the weakness or paralysis of the muscles involved in speech production. It causes slurred, slow, or distorted speech.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Impairment of respiratory muscles and cognition remains intact are common late manifestations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As the disease progresses, the respiratory muscles become weak and unable to support breathing. This can lead to respiratory failure and death. However, the cognition of the patient usually remains intact until the end, as the disease does not affect the higher functions of the brain.

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The nurse assesses a patient with a recent spinal cord injury at the level of thoracic 5 vertebrae. The patient's blood pressure is 184/95 mm Hg, has a flushed face and blurred vision. What priority action would the nurse complete first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The home health nurse visits a patient with multiple sclerosis who complains of severe fatigue. Select the nurse's best suggestion to help decrease their symptom of fatigue.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is teaching the family about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progression of the disease. The nurse would include which common late manifestations?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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