Which action should the nurse recognize as the highest priority for a patient who was admitted 16 hours earlier with a C5 spinal cord injury?

Cardiac monitoring for bradycardia

Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin

Assessment of respiratory rate and effort

Application of pneumatic compression devices to legs

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Cardiac monitoring for bradycardia: While cardiac changes can occur with spinal cord injury, respiratory complications are more common and pose a greater immediate threat to the patient's well-being. Therefore, assessing respiratory status takes priority over cardiac monitoring in this situation.

B. Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is important for patients with spinal cord injury, but it is not the highest priority within the first 16 hours of admission. Respiratory assessment is more critical for immediate patient safety.

C. Assessment of respiratory rate and effort: Respiratory complications, such as impaired breathing or respiratory failure, are common in patients with spinal cord injury, particularly at the C5 level, which affects the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Early detection of respiratory distress is crucial for timely intervention to prevent respiratory compromise.

D. Application of pneumatic compression devices to legs: Pneumatic compression devices are used for preventing venous thromboembolism, but they do not address the immediate priority of assessing and managing respiratory status in a patient with spinal cord injury.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Therapeutic effects of medications may not be seen for 2-3 weeks: While it is important for the client to understand the timeline for therapeutic effects, ensuring medication adherence, especially during the initial period when therapeutic effects are not yet apparent, is of higher priority.
B. Physical dependency may result from extended use of medications: While the potential for physical dependency is an important consideration, ensuring medication compliance and adherence to the prescribed regimen, particularly in the context of managing seizures, takes precedence.
C. Urine may turn pink to brown but is not harmful: While this information may be included in the education plan to address potential side effects of antiepileptic medications, it is not the highest priority compared to ensuring the client understands the importance of taking medication regularly.
D. Take medication even if there is no seizure activity: Ensuring consistent medication adherence is crucial in managing seizure disorders to maintain therapeutic blood levels of antiepileptic medications and reduce the risk of breakthrough seizures. Missing doses can increase the risk of seizure recurrence.

A. Obtain the client's heart rate. B. Administer a nitrate antihypertensive. C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position. D. Assess the client for bladder distention.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Obtain the client's heart rate: While obtaining the client's heart rate is important in the assessment of autonomic dysreflexia, assessing for and addressing the underlying cause take precedence.

B. Administer a nitrate antihypertensive: Administering antihypertensive medication may be necessary if autonomic dysreflexia is confirmed, but it is not the first action to take. Addressing the cause of autonomic dysreflexia, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position: Elevating the client's head may help reduce blood pressure, but it does not address the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia. Assessing for and addressing the cause, such as bladder distention, is the priority.

D. Assess the client for bladder distention: Autonomic dysreflexia is commonly triggered by stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, such as bladder distention. Assessing the client's bladder for distention and addressing any urinary retention or obstruction is the first action to take in managing autonomic dysreflexia.

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Which action should the nurse recognize as the highest priority for a patient who was admitted 16 hours earlier with a C5 spinal cord injury?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following should be the highest priority of education plan for a client being treated with medication therapy for a generalized seizure disorder?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury and reports having a severe headache. The nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 210/108 mm Hg and suspects the client is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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