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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abnormal sensory sensations such as tingling may be associated with the aura phase of a seizure but are not typically observed postictally.
B. Yellowing of the skin is usually indicative of jaundice, unrelated to seizure activity or the postictal state.
C. Itching of the eyes is unrelated to seizure activity and would not typically be documented in the context of postictal observations.
D. The postictal state is characterized by drowsiness, confusion, and other altered mental statuses that follow a seizure. This period can vary in duration depending on the patient and seizure type.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Penicillins are generally safe but are not specific for ototoxicity considerations.
B. Aminoglycosides are avoided in cases of tympanic membrane rupture due to their ototoxic potential, which can lead to hearing loss.
C. Fluoroquinolones, particularly those formulated for otic use, are preferred for tympanic membrane ruptures as they are not ototoxic and are safe for middle ear exposure.
D. Cephalosporins are not typically ototoxic but are less commonly used for tympanic membrane ruptures compared to fluoroquinolones.
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