A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and is developing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the client in a sitting position
Check the client for a fecal impaction
Examine the client for areas of skin breakdown
Check the blood pressure for discrepancies
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Placing the client in a sitting position helps to lower blood pressure by promoting venous return and is the first action to take in cases of autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice B reason: Checking for a fecal impaction is important as it can be a trigger for autonomic dysreflexia, but it is not the first action to take.
Choice C reason: Examining for areas of skin breakdown is part of ongoing care for clients with spinal cord injuries but is not the immediate priority in autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice D reason: Checking blood pressure is important for monitoring the severity of autonomic dysreflexia, but the first action is to address the positioning of the client to manage the hypertensive crisis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory Alkalosis Partially Compensated is characterized by an elevated pH over 7.45 and a PaCO2 under 35 mmHg, with a compensatory acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L. This does not match the patient's ABG results.
Choice B reason: Respiratory Acidosis Uncompensated is indicated by an acidic pH under 7.35 and an elevated PaCO2 over 45 mmHg, with HCO3 in the normal range of 2226 mEq/L. The patient's ABG results show a low pH and high PaCO2, which aligns with this condition.
Choice C reason: Metabolic Alkalosis Partially Compensated would show a basic pH over 7.45 and a basic HCO3 over 26 mEq/L, with a compensatory acidic PaCO2 over 45 mmHg[^10^]. The patient's ABG values do not support this diagnosis.
Choice D reason: Metabolic Acidosis Uncompensated would present with an acidic pH under 7.35 and an acidic HCO3 under 22 mEq/L, with PaCO2 in the normal range of 3545 mmHg⁸. The patient's normal HCO3 level does not indicate metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dependent rubor, a reddish coloration of the skin that occurs when the legs are in a dependent position, can be a sign of PAD, indicating poor arterial flow.
Choice B reason: Foot ulcers may occur in individuals with PAD due to poor blood circulation and the inability of sores or injuries to heal properly.
Choice C reason: Rest pain is a symptom of advanced PAD and occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the limbs even at rest, often worsening at night when the legs are elevated.
Choice D reason: Intermittent claudication, characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during exercise that disappears after rest, is a hallmark symptom of PAD and results from inadequate blood flow during increased activity.
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