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.
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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: To administer medications and electrolytes is not the best reply for why the client will need the NG tube, because this is not the primary purpose of the NG tube in this case. The NG tube is mainly used to relieve gastric distension and prevent vomiting and aspiration. Medications and electrolytes can be given through the IV route.
Choice B Reason: To dilate the stomach as a presurgical preparation is not the best reply for why the client will need the NG tube, because this is not a valid indication for the NG tube in this case. The NG tube is mainly used to relieve gastric distension and prevent vomiting and aspiration. Dilation of the stomach is not a goal of presurgical preparation, but rather an adverse effect of gastric obstruction.
Choice C Reason: You will not be able to eat for several days is not the best reply for why the client will need the NG tube, because this is not a complete or accurate explanation of the NG tube in this case. The NG tube is mainly used to relieve gastric distension and prevent vomiting and aspiration. The client will not be able to eat for several days because of the NPO diet, which is necessary to rest the inflamed peritoneum and reduce the risk of complications.
Choice D Reason: To remove secretions and decompress your stomach is the best reply for why the client will need the NG tube, because this is a clear and correct explanation of the NG tube in this case. The NG tube is mainly used to relieve gastric distension and prevent vomiting and aspiration, which are common symptoms of acute peritonitis. By removing secretions and decompressing the stomach, the NG tube can reduce pain, inflammation, and infection in the abdominal cavity.
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