A nurse is caring for a client who has a complete spinal cord injury. Based on the nurse's understanding about the degree of this type of injury, what can the nurse expect will be the client's level of function?

The client will need 24-hour a day care.

The client will be able to assist with transfer and perform self-care.

The client will be able to roll over independently.

The client will be able to drive an electric wheelchair.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason: This is the correct choice because a complete spinal cord injury is a condition where there is no motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will also have impaired thermoregulation, breathing, and blood pressure. The client will need 24-hour a day care to assist with mobility, hygiene, elimination, nutrition, and prevention of complications.

Choice B) Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to assist with transfer and perform self-care has a partial spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A partial spinal cord injury is a condition where there is some motor or sensory function below the level of injury. The degree of impairment depends on the extent and location of the damage.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to roll over independently has a lower spinal cord injury, not a complete one. A lower spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the lumbar or sacral segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of the lower limbs (paraplegia) and some loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The client will still have some control over the upper limbs and trunk.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is able to drive an electric wheelchair has an upper spinal cord injury, not a complete one. An upper spinal cord injury is a condition where there is damage to the cervical or thoracic segments of the spinal cord. The client will have paralysis of all four limbs (quadriplegia) and loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. However, the client may still have some movement or sensation in the shoulders, arms, or hands.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: A facial tumor is not related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves.

Choice B Reason: Pregnancy is not a risk factor for Guillain-Barre syndrome, although it can occur during or after pregnancy in rare cases.

Choice C Reason: A puncture wound 3 weeks ago is unlikely to cause Guillain-Barre syndrome, which usually follows a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct answer because cytomegalovirus is one of the common infections that can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome. It can cause inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that covers the nerves.

A. The client's bladder becomes distended. B. The client states having a severe headache. C. The client's blood pressure becomes elevated. D. The client states having nasal congestion.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason: A distended bladder is one of the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in clients with spinal cord injuries above T-6. The bladder becomes overfilled and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and hypertension.

Choice B Reason: A severe headache is one of the most common symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, caused by the increased blood pressure in the brain. The headache may be accompanied by blurred vision, sweating, flushing, or anxiety.

Choice C Reason: An elevated blood pressure is the hallmark sign of autonomic dysreflexia, which can reach dangerously high levels and cause stroke, seizure, or death. The blood pressure may rise up to 300/160 mmHg or higher.

Choice D Reason: Nasal congestion is another possible trigger of autonomic dysreflexia, as it stimulates the nasal mucosa and activates the sympathetic nervous system. Other potential triggers include bowel impaction, skin irritation, tight clothing, or temperature changes.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a complete spinal cord injury. Based on the nurse's understanding about the degree of this type of injury, what can the nurse expect will be the client's level of function?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client arrives to the clinic with reports of progressive weakness in his lower extremities. Which of the following findings in the client's history is consistent with the client developing Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a T-4 spinal cord injury. Which of the following client findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A client with red scaling papules on his elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp arrives to the clinic. Which of the following questions will the nurse include in her assessment?

The results of a client's audiogram indicate that the client has hearing at 15 decibels (dB). What action should the nurse take when communicating to the client?

A client receiving parenteral nutrition by central venous access reports feeling unwell. The nurse assesses the client and suspects that the central line has become infected. Which of the following findings indicate that the client has developed a systemic infection? Select all that apply.

A client with a new diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia is receiving education to prevent triggering an acute onset. Which of the following will the nurse include in teaching?

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A nurse at an ophthalmology clinic is providing teaching to a client who has open-angle glaucoma and a new treatment regimen of timolol and pilocarpine eye drops. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome. Which findings indicate this occurrence?

A nurse is performing a focused assessment for a client's vision. What visual assessment is the nurse making when she extends her hand for the client to shake?