When addressing the needs of a client with a newly diagnosed spinal cord injury, the nurse understands that which of the following are true about nutritional needs?
The client will be NPO until fitted for a halo vest
A high calorie, high protein diet will be started within 3 days
High fiber and decreased protein is needed immediately after injury
Low fiber and no protein is needed 2 days after the injury
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Rationale: Keeping the client NPO until fitted for a halo vest is not a standard practice, and nutritional support should be initiated as soon as possible.
Choice B Rationale: A high-calorie, high-protein diet is typically started within 3 days of a spinal cord injury to support healing and prevent muscle wasting.
Choice C Rationale: High fiber and decreased protein are not the immediate dietary needs after a spinal cord injury. High protein intake is important for tissue repair.
Choice D Rationale: Low fiber and no protein would not be recommended 2 days after a spinal cord injury, as protein intake is crucial for healing and recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Oral care is important for overall hygiene but may not take precedence over other critical aspects of care for a client with a spinal cord injury.
Choice B Rationale: Offering the client to discuss their feelings is important for emotional support but may not be the highest priority.
Choice C Rationale: Diet modifications are a high priority because they are essential for addressing the client's nutritional needs and preventing complications related to the spinal cord injury, such as pressure ulcers and infections.
Choice D Rationale: The application of compression stockings may have a role in the care plan but is not typically the highest priority for a client with a spinal cord injury.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Checking the patient's orientation to time and date is a part of assessing cognitive function but is not specific to the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice B Rationale: Obtaining a list of the patient's prescribed medications is important for the overall assessment but is not specific to the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice C Rationale: Determining the patient's ability to recognize a common object is not a component of the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice D Rationale: Asking the patient to draw a clock with a specific time is a key component of the Mini-Cog exam, which assesses cognitive impairment and is commonly used to screen for Alzheimer's disease.

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