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A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has a compression fracture of a spinal vertebra. During transport to the facility. the client was medicated with intravenous morphine. On arrival, the neurosurgeon determined urgent surgical intervention is indicated for the fracture. Staff members have been unable to reach the client's family. Which of the following actions should the nurse anticipate the neurosurgeon taking?

A.

Delaying the surgery until a member of the client's family is reached

B.

Prescribing naloxone to reverse the effects of the morphine

C.

Invoking implied consent

D.

Asking the client to sign the surgical consent form

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Delaying the surgery until a member of the client's family is reached may not be in the  best interest of the client if urgent surgical intervention is indicated. 

B. While naloxone can reverse the effects of opioids like morphine, it is not the primary  action the neurosurgeon would take in this situation. The priority is addressing the urgent  surgical need. 

C. Invoking implied consent is the most appropriate action in this situation. Implied  consent is assumed in emergency situations where the client is unable to provide consent,  and delay would significantly jeopardize the client's health. 

D. Asking the client to sign the surgical consent form would not be feasible in this  situation since the client is likely not in a condition to provide informed consent due to  the administration of intravenous morphine and the urgency of the surgical intervention. 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Stretching exercises are beneficial for improving flexibility and range of motion. This however doesnt load bones to slow down osteoporosis.

B. High-impact aerobics can increase the risk of fractures in individuals with osteoporosis due to the stress on bones. It is not a recommended form of exercise.

C. Riding a bicycle is a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for cardiovascular health, but it may not specifically address the needs of osteoporosis.

D. Walking briskly is a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen bones. It's a good recommendation for clients with osteoporosis.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Inserting sterile packing into the nares is not indicated in this situation. Clear fluid drainage from the nose may be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and packing could cause further complications.

B. Allowing the drainage to drip onto a sterile gauze pad is the appropriate initial action. Clear fluid drainage from the nose after a traumatic event may be CSF, which can indicate a skull fracture and damage to the meninges. Collecting the fluid on a sterile gauze pad can help confirm the presence of CSF.

C. Suctioning the nose with a bulb syringe is not recommended because it can introduce contaminants into the nasal passages and potentially worsen the injury.

D. Obtaining a culture of the specimen using sterile swabs is a consideration once the presence of CSF is confirmed. However, the initial priority is to identify and collect the clear fluid drainage.

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