A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury and suspects the client is developing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Place the client in a sitting position
Examine the client for areas of skin breakdown
Check the client's bladder for distention
Check the client for a fecal impaction
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 dysreflexia²³.
Choice B reason:While examining for skin breakdown is important, it is not the first action to take when autonomic dysreflexia is suspected.
Choice C reason:Checking the bladder for distention is a critical step, but it should be done after positioning the client to address immediate blood pressure concerns.
Choice D reason:Checking for fecal impaction is also important but follows the initial step of positioning the client to manage blood pressure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The GFR does not recover during the oliguric phase; instead, it is typically reduced, reflecting impaired kidney function.
Choice B reason: Urine output of less than 400 mL per 24 hours is characteristic of the oliguric phase of AKI. This phase can last from 1 to 7 days after kidney injury and is a crucial time for monitoring and managing the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Choice C reason: BUN and creatinine levels do not decrease during the oliguric phase. They usually increase due to reduced kidney function and the inability to excrete these waste products.
Choice D reason: Renal function is not reestablished during the oliguric phase. This phase is part of the course of AKI where renal function is at its lowest, and recovery has not yet begun.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A 12-lead ECG can reveal changes in the ST segment, T wave, and QRS complex, which are indicative of myocardial ischemia, injury, or infarction. It is the first line diagnostic test that needs to be recorded within 10 minutes after the first medical contact in cases of suspected acute coronary syndromes.
Choice B reason: While pain radiating to the left arm can be a symptom of MI, it is not a definitive diagnostic action. It is a common symptom but can also be associated with other conditions.
Choice C reason: Checking the client's blood pressure is important in the overall assessment of the client's cardiovascular status but does not specifically diagnose MI. Blood pressure can be normal, elevated, or decreased in the case of MI.
Choice D reason: Auscultating heart tones can provide information about the presence of murmurs, gallops, or rubs, but it is not a specific diagnostic action for MI. Heart sounds may be normal during an MI.
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