A client with a cervical spinal injury (C7) is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should first assess the client for which precipitating factor?

An acutely distended bladder.

Profuse forehead diaphoresis.

Skeletal traction misalignment.

A severe pounding headache.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   One of the most common triggers is a distended bladder. When the bladder becomes full, it sends signals to the spinal cord, but due to the injury, these signals are unable to pass beyond the level of injury. This results in uncontrolled sympathetic activation, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, sweating, and headache.
B.   Forehead diaphoresis, or sweating, is a potential symptom of autonomic dysreflexia. However, it is more of a consequence rather than a precipitating factor. It occurs as a result of sympathetic nervous system activation in response to the triggering stimulus.
C.   Skeletal traction misalignment is not a common precipitating factor for autonomic dysreflexia. Autonomic dysreflexia is typically triggered by stimuli related to visceral or autonomic reflexes, such as bladder distention or bowel impaction, rather than mechanical issues like traction misalignment.
D.   A severe pounding headache can occur as a symptom of autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the primary precipitating factor. The headache is a result of the sudden increase in blood pressure that occurs during autonomic dysreflexia.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are classic signs of an exit site infection in peritoneal dialysis. Exit site infections are a common complication of peritoneal dialysis and can lead to more serious complications, such as peritonitis, if not promptly treated. Preventing exit site infections through proper catheter care and hygiene is essential in peritoneal dialysis management.
A. While outflow obstruction can occur in peritoneal dialysis, it typically presents with symptoms such as poor drainage of dialysate fluid, abdominal discomfort, and a decrease in dialysis efficiency. The described findings of redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site are more indicative of a localized issue rather than outflow obstruction.
C. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a part or the entire lung. While it can occur in hospitalized patients, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions, the described findings are not indicative of atelectasis. Atelectasis typically presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and decreased breath sounds on auscultation.
D. Peritonitis is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis characterized by inflammation and infection of the peritoneal lining. While redness, tenderness, and drainage around the catheter site may precede peritonitis, the focus of concern in this scenario is primarily on preventing exit site infection, which, if left untreated, can progress to peritonitis.

A. Teach the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance to prevent spreading the virus. B. Explain to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days. C. Cholate the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) D. Report the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:This is incorrect because teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance is not the most important action for the nurse to take. These are preventive measures that should be followed by everyone, regardless of their COVID-19 status.

Choice Breason:This is incorrect because explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a moral and social responsibility that should be done as soon as possible, but it does not address the urgent need of isolating the client from potential sources of infection.

Choice Creason:This is correct because isolating the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper PPE is the most important action for the nurse to take. This is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to others who may be at risk of severe complications or death.

Choice Dreason:This is incorrect because reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to CDC guidelines is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a legal and ethical obligation that should be done after confirming the diagnosis, but it does not have an immediate impact on the client's health or safety.

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A client with a cervical spinal injury (C7) is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. The nurse should first assess the client for which precipitating factor?

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