A client is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a spinal cord injury (SCI) following a motor vehicle collision.
Which nurse should be contacted to coordinate the progression of the client's care?
Neurology unit supervisor.
Adult nurse practitioner.
Nurse case manager.
Risk management nurse.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The neurology unit supervisor is not the most appropriate nurse to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury (SCI). While they may have expertise in neurology, the nurse case manager is specifically trained to coordinate and manage the care of patients with complex conditions, including SCI. They can facilitate communication between various healthcare providers and ensure that the client receives comprehensive care throughout their stay.
Choice B rationale:
An adult nurse practitioner may have specialized knowledge in the care of adults, but they may not have the specific skills and training required to coordinate the care of a client with a spinal cord injury in the ICU. Nurse case managers are better equipped to manage complex cases and ensure the continuity of care for the client.
Choice D rationale:
A risk management nurse focuses on minimizing healthcare-related risks and ensuring the safety of patients and staff. While their role is essential, it is not the primary responsibility to coordinate the progression of care for a client with a spinal cord injury. The nurse case manager is better suited for this role as they specialize in care coordination.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Correcting electrolytes that are out of normal range is a crucial goal of therapy for this client. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the body’s cells are unable to use glucose for energy due to a lack of insulin. This leads to the breakdown of fat for energy, producing ketones as a by-product. Ketones are acidic and can cause the blood’s pH to decrease, leading to metabolic acidosis. This process also leads to an increased production and excretion of electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. Therefore, correcting these electrolyte imbalances is a key goal of therapy.
Choice B rationale:
While promoting oxygenation to tissues is generally important in critical care, it is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. The primary issues in DKA are metabolic in nature, including hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing hyperventilation is not a specific goal in the management of DKA. Hyperventilation in DKA is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis (Kussmaul breathing). The body tries to expel more carbon dioxide to reduce the acidity of the blood.
Choice D rationale:
Reversing dehydration is another important goal of therapy for this client. In DKA, high blood glucose levels lead to osmotic diuresis, where water is drawn into the urine from the blood, leading to dehydration. This can cause hypotension and reduced tissue perfusion. Therefore, reversing dehydration through fluid replacement is a key part of treatment.
Choice E rationale:
Replacing insulin is a fundamental goal of therapy for this client. Insulin deficiency is the primary cause of DKA. Insulin allows glucose to enter cells where it can be used for energy, preventing the breakdown of fat for energy and the subsequent production of ketones.
Choice F rationale:
Providing respiratory support may be necessary in severe cases of DKA where the patient’s compensatory respiratory efforts are insufficient to maintain adequate gas exchange. However, it is not one of the primary goals of therapy in DKA management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A radial pulse is the pulse felt at the wrist, where the radial artery runs along the thumb side of the forearm. It is one of the most common sites for measuring a person's heart rate.
- To measure a radial pulse, the examiner should place two or three fingers over the radial artery, just below the wrist crease, and apply gentle pressure until a pulsation is felt. The examiner should not use the thumb, as it has its own pulse and may interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The examiner should count the number of beats for 15, 30, or 60 seconds, depending on the regularity and rate of the pulse.
- In the picture, the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is using the thumb to measure the radial pulse, which is incorrect. The practical nurse (PN) should demonstrate the correct pulse site to the UAP and explain why using the thumb is not appropriate. This will help to ensure that the UAP obtains an accurate and reliable pulse rate for the client.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A, B, and D are incorrect.
Option A is incorrect because instructing the UAP to report any abnormal findings does not address the error in technique.
Option B is incorrect because reminding the UAP to check the pulse volume does not address the error in technique.
Option D is incorrect because confirming the accuracy of the pulse rate obtained by the UAP does not address the error in technique.
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