The nurse is caring for a patient who was in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in cervical trauma to C4. Which assessment is the priority?
Respirations
Pulse
Temperature
Blood Pressure
The Correct Answer is A
A. Respirations: C4 injuries compromise the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm. A high cervical spine injury can lead to respiratory failure, making airway and breathing the top priority.
B. Pulse: While monitoring circulation is important, breathing takes priority in a C4 injury due to the risk of respiratory paralysis.
C. Temperature: Temperature regulation may be affected due to autonomic dysfunction, but airway and breathing remain the priority.
D. Blood Pressure: While spinal cord injuries can cause neurogenic shock (low BP, bradycardia), ensuring airway and breathing comes first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Utilizing evidence-based practice based on nurses' needs: Professional standards focus on patient-centered care, not the nurse's needs. Evidence-based practice should prioritize patient safety and effectiveness.
B. Establishes minimal passing standards for testing: While professional standards guide nursing education and testing, their primary role is to guide clinical decision-making for patient care.
C. Uses critical thinking for the highest level of quality nursing care: Professional standards provide guidelines for best practices, ensuring nurses apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to improve patient outcomes.
D. Bypasses the patient's feelings to promote ethical standards: Ethical nursing practice includes patient advocacy, not bypassing patient emotions or concerns.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Stage I Pressure Ulcer: A Stage III pressure ulcer does not regress to a Stage I as it heals. It retains its original staging classification.
B. Stage III Pressure Ulcer: While the ulcer was originally Stage III, documenting it this way without specifying healing progress does not accurately reflect its current condition.
C. Healing Stage III Pressure Ulcer: Pressure ulcers are documented at their worst stage, even as they heal. The correct terminology includes "healing" to show improvement.
D. Healing Stage II Pressure Ulcer: A Stage III ulcer does not become a Stage II ulcer as it heals; instead, it is called a healing Stage III pressure ulcer.
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