A client arrives to the emergency department after falling from a ladder. The client has a loss of sensation and flaccid paralysis. Which of the following complications of an acute spinal cord injury does the nurse suspect?
Hemorrhage
Spinal shock
Apoptosis
Neurogenic shock
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Hemorrhage is not a complication of an acute spinal cord injury, but rather a possible cause of it. Hemorrhage can occur due to trauma or rupture of blood vessels in or around the spinal cord, leading to compression and damage of the nerve tissue.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Spinal shock is a complication of an acute spinal cord injury that occurs within minutes to hours after the injury. It is characterized by loss of sensation, motor function, reflexes, and autonomic function below the level of injury. It is caused by transient disruption of nerve conduction and synaptic transmission in the spinal cord.
Choice C Reason: Apoptosis is not a complication of an acute spinal cord injury, but rather a cellular process that occurs after it. Apoptosis is programmed cell death that occurs in response to injury or stress. It can lead to further loss of neurons and glial cells in the spinal cord over time.
Choice D Reason: Neurogenic shock is a complication of an acute spinal cord injury that occurs within hours to days after the injury. It is characterized by hypotension, bradycardia, and peripheral vasodilation due to loss of sympathetic tone and unopposed parasympathetic activity. It is caused by disruption of autonomic pathways in the spinal cord.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Measuring the abdominal girth is not related to asterixis, which is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended. It may indicate ascites, which is a complication of cirrhosis, but not asterixis.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, sometimes said to resemble a bird flapping its wings. It is caused by abnormal function of the diencephalic motor centers that regulate the muscles involved in maintaining posture. It is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with liver disease.
Choice C Reason: Having the client flex and extend their foot is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for ankle clonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of the calf muscles when the foot is dorsiflexed. It indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, but not hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D Reason: Asking the client to walk heel to toe is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for balance and coordination, which can be impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, but it is not a specific sign of asterixis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because resuming a functional role in society is the ultimate goal for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. The rehabilitative phase begins when wound healing is complete and lasts until physical and psychosocial recovery is achieved. The nurse should help the client regain independence, self-esteem, and quality of life by providing education, counseling, referrals, and resources.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because pain management is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Pain management is important throughout all phases of burn care, but especially during wound healing and scar formation, which can cause itching, tightness, or hypersensitivity. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and administer analgesics, antipruritics, or moisturizers as ordered.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because providing continued full support to the client is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Providing continued full support to the client can help them cope with physical and emotional challenges, such as scarring, disfigurement, disability, or depression. The nurse should provide emotional support, active listening, positive feedback, and encouragement to the client.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because preventing infection is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Preventing infection is crucial during wound healing and grafting, which can be compromised by bacterial colonization or contamination. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and administer antibiotics or antiseptics as ordered.
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