The nurse is caring for a patient in the acute care setting with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the level of C-3. What is the main cause of complications or death related to this injury?

Bradycardia

Sepsis

Hypertension

Respiratory compromise

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Bradycardia is possible due to autonomic dysfunction but is not the leading cause of death.

B. Sepsis can occur due to immobility and pressure injuries but is secondary to respiratory compromise.

C. Hypertension is not directly linked to high cervical spine injuries and is less common than respiratory issues in this setting.

D. Respiratory compromise is the primary cause of complications or death in patients with a high cervical spine injury (C-3 and above) due to loss of innervation to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, which impairs spontaneous breathing. Mechanical ventilation is often required to maintain adequate oxygenation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Scheduled voiding is less effective in patients with a flaccid bladder because there is no voluntary control of bladder function.

B. Intermittent catheterization is the preferred management technique for a flaccid or atonic bladder, allowing the bladder to empty at regular intervals and reducing the risk of infection associated with continuous catheters.

C. An indwelling catheter is usually avoided for long-term use due to a higher risk of infection.

D. An external catheter is generally not effective for flaccid or atonic bladder management in spinal cord injuries as it doesn’t actively empty the bladder.

A. accident injured the patient's lungs. B. patient has a history of smoking. C. nerves that control the lung function have been injured. D. patient is unable to breathe because he is unconscious.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While lung injury could occur in traumatic situations, it is not the primary reason for mechanical ventilation in the context of a spinal cord injury.

B. A history of smoking may affect lung health but does not directly justify the immediate need for mechanical ventilation following a spinal cord injury.

C. The nerves that control lung function may be injured in a cervical spinal cord injury, particularly at higher levels like C3-C5, leading to respiratory muscle paralysis and necessitating mechanical ventilation to support breathing.

D. While unconsciousness may complicate breathing, the primary concern is the loss of function in the spinal cord nerves controlling respiration.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is caring for a patient in the acute care setting with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at the level of C-3. What is the main cause of complications or death related to this injury?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury who has a flaccid or atonic bladder. The nurse would provide discharge education to the patient and family regarding which bladder management technique?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient presents to the emergency department with a cervical spinal cord injury immediately after a motor vehicle crash. What should the nurse explain to the family as the reason for the patient being placed on mechanical ventilation? The:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which situation should be reported to the nursing supervisor as an exposure for the nurse caring for a patient diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)? The nurse

The nurse is caring for a patient who was given a new medical prescription for phenytoin. What would the nurse stress in the discharge instructions regarding this medication?

A patient has returned to the unit following a peripheral arteriogram. During the assessment, the nurse notes that the dorsalis pedis pulse is not palpable and the foot is cold. What should be the nurse's immediate action?

The healthcare provider has prescribed intravenous (IV) lorazepam for the patient in status epilepticus. During administration, which is the priority assessment by the nurse?

The nurse teaches a patient diagnosed with Bell's Palsy about the use of an eye patch to prevent which eye complication?

The nurse suspects a subarachnoid hemorrhage in a patient admitted to the emergency department. Which of the following symptoms is commonly seen in a patient diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage?

The nurse anticipates which of the following as a prescription for patient diagnosed with Meniere's Disease?

A patient admits to intravenous (IV) drug use and presents with red and severely painful right eye, floaters, photophobia and decreased visual acuity. The nurse explains to the patient and family that the plan of care will be as follows: