The nurse is caring for a patient with a spinal cord injury (SCI) who is about to be transferred to a wheelchair for Physical Therapy. The patient complains of feeling dizzy and is diaphoretic. What would be the priority nursing action?
Establish IV access and bolus 250 mL normal saline
Assess for bladder distension and perform digital disimpaction
Reschedule the therapy session for later in the day
Lower the head of the bed and obtain vital signs
The Correct Answer is D
A. Establishing IV access may be necessary if hypotension persists but is not the initial priority.
B. Bladder distension assessment is essential for managing autonomic dysreflexia in SCI patients; however, symptoms here suggest orthostatic hypotension rather than autonomic dysreflexia.
C. Rescheduling therapy may be considered if dizziness persists, but it does not address the immediate concern.
D. Lowering the head of the bed and obtaining vital signs can help stabilize blood pressure and monitor for orthostatic hypotension, which is common in patients with SCI due to autonomic dysfunction. This intervention helps to prevent syncope.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While using a cane or walker may be necessary for some patients experiencing balance issues, it is not a specific instruction related to phenytoin.
B. Phenytoin dosages should not be adjusted solely based on observed seizure activity; the dose must be managed carefully based on serum drug levels and the clinician's guidance.
C. Patients on phenytoin typically require more frequent monitoring of blood levels (every 2-3 months initially) rather than annually, as maintaining therapeutic levels is essential to avoid toxicity or ineffective seizure control.
D. Regular dental visits are crucial for patients taking phenytoin because the medication can cause gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gum tissue), which necessitates careful dental hygiene and regular monitoring by a dentist to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is ["3"]
Explanation
To administer the correct dose of clonidine, which is 0.3 mg, the nurse would need to calculate the number of 0.1 mg tablets required. Since each tablet contains 0.1 mg of clonidine, the nurse would need three tablets to make up the total dose of 0.3 mg. Therefore, the nurse should administer three tablets per dose to the patient.
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