A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and has developed autonomic dysreflexia. Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should take.
(Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)
Administer an antihypertensive medication intravenously.
Confirm that the client's bladder is empty.
Indicate the risk for autonomic dysreflexia in the client's medical record.
Place the client in an upright sitting position.
The Correct Answer is D,B,A,C
Step D (Place the client in an upright sitting position): Elevating the client's head and upper body to an upright position helps to reduce blood pressure by promoting venous pooling in the lower extremities.
Step B (Confirm that the client's bladder is empty): Autonomic dysreflexia is often triggered by bladder distention or urinary retention. By confirming and addressing urinary issues promptly, the nurse can remove the triggering stimulus.
Step A (Administer an antihypertensive medication intravenously): In severe cases where blood pressure remains dangerously high despite other interventions, such as positioning and addressing bladder issues, antihypertensive medications may be necessary to lower blood pressure quickly and prevent complications.
Step C (Indicate the risk for autonomic dysreflexia in the client's medical record): Documentation of the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia, its triggers, and interventions used is essential for continuity of care. It informs other healthcare providers about the client's condition and helps in implementing preventive strategies.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Morphine is effective in reducing anxiety due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties. Decreased anxiety can be an indication that morphine is effective in managing symptoms associated with acute heart failure, such as dyspnea and anxiety related to difficulty breathing.
A Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic that can depress the respiratory center, leading to decreased respiratory rate or even respiratory depression in some cases.
B. Vomiting after morphine administration does not indicate effectiveness of the medication in managing acute heart failure symptoms. It is rather a side effect that needs to be managed.
C. Decreased urinary output is not a sign of effectiveness in managing acute heart failure symptoms. It is an adverse effect that needs to be monitored and managed separately.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
The nurse should first address the client pain level followed by the client's ECG results
Rationale
Pain level: Addressing the client's pain level is crucial because it directly affects their comfort and can be indicative of ongoing myocardial ischemia or infarction. The client initially reported chest pain as 7/10, which is significant. Although it has decreased to 5/10 after nitroglycerin, ongoing assessment of pain is essential to ensure it does not worsen or change in nature.
ECG results: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows tachycardia with ST segment elevation and T wave changes. These findings indicate acute myocardial ischemia or infarction, which is a critical concern. The ECG results guide further diagnosis and treatment decisions, such as determining the need for immediate reperfusion therapy (like thrombolytics or angioplasty).
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