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 D

Explanation

A. Antibiotics may be necessary if infection is confirmed, but this is not the priority action.

B. Applying a pressure dressing could increase intracranial pressure or worsen the injury.

C. IV fluids can be helpful in managing shock but are not directly related to CSF leakage management.

D. Yellowish fluid from the ear, which creates a "halo" or yellow ring around it on gauze, may indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. This is a sign of a potential skull fracture and requires prompt provider notification. Allowing the fluid to drain and collecting it can provide necessary information about the injury.

A. Ability to process multiple pieces of information at the same time B. Playing chess with fellow patients within one week of admission C. Difficulty planning and organizing thoughts and behaviors D. Being increasingly non-compliant with therapeutic care plans

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Chronic head injury patients often struggle with processing multiple pieces of information simultaneously due to cognitive limitations.

B. Activities requiring complex strategy, like chess, are typically challenging shortly after admission and not a realistic expectation.

C. Difficulty with planning and organizing thoughts and behaviors is a common cognitive deficit in patients with chronic head injury due to impaired executive function, often resulting from damage to the frontal lobe.

D. While non-compliance can occur, it is less predictable and may not be directly linked to chronic head injury itself.

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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 trauma patient with suspected brain injury. The nurse notices a yellow stain around fluid dripping from the patient's ear. The nurse's priority intervention will be as follows:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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