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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Frequent passive range of motion exercises are crucial for preventing complications of immobility, such as contractures and pressure ulcers, and to promote circulation in patients with spinal cord injuries.

B. While coughing and deep breathing exercises are important for respiratory health, they should be performed more frequently than once per shift in patients with reduced mobility to prevent respiratory complications.

C. Turning the patient every 4 hours may not be adequate to prevent pressure ulcers; typically, patients should be turned at least every 2 hours.

D. Patients with a complete spinal cord injury at C7 typically lack the ability to ambulate, making this intervention inappropriate.

A. T 92.5 F (33.6 C), BP 90/64, HR 80, RR 14, 02 Sat 97% Room Air B. T 98.7 F (36.4 C), BP 220/46, HR 30, RR 6, O2 Sat 98% Room Air C. T 98.6 F (37 C), BP 200/94, HR 90, RR 18, 02 Sat 100% Room Air D. T 103.1 F (39.5 C), BP 82/50, HR 132, RR 30, O2 Sat 99% Room Air

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The low blood pressure (90/64) may indicate hypovolemia or shock but is not specific for ICP concerns.

B. This set of vital signs is concerning due to the extremely high blood pressure (220/46) combined with a very low heart rate (30) and low respiratory rate (6), which can indicate an autonomic response to increased ICP, potentially leading to Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations).

C. Although the blood pressure is high (200/94), the heart rate is normal and the respiratory rate is stable, making this less alarming compared to option B.

D. The elevated temperature and abnormal heart rate (132) indicate potential fever and tachycardia, but the blood pressure (82/50) is low and does not directly indicate increased ICP.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the level of C7. Which intervention would the nurse implement in order to prevent complications related to immobility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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