A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury.

Exhibits

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

Perform suctioning

Withhold pain medication for headache until other manifestations resolve.

Assess blood pressure every 15 min.

Administer nifedipine.

Assess for urinary retention.

Place client in supine position.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"}}

1. Perform suctioning

Contraindicated

Suctioning can be a stressor to the body, and in patients with autonomic dysreflexia, it could potentially exacerbate the condition and lead to further increases in blood pressure. In autonomic dysreflexia, managing the underlying trigger (such as a full bladder or bowel impaction) is key, not suctioning unless there is a specific need related to respiratory issues. This action could make the elevated blood pressure worse.
2. Withhold pain medication for headache until other manifestations resolve

Contraindicated
Pain management is critical in a patient with autonomic dysreflexia. The headache is a significant symptom of autonomic dysreflexia and needs to be addressed immediately, as pain is often the trigger. Withholding pain medication could worsen the client's symptoms and contribute to further complications. Proper management of pain should occur concurrently with interventions to address the elevated blood pressure.
3. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes

Anticipated
Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in patients with autonomic dysreflexia to track changes and assess for improvement or worsening of hypertension. The nurse should frequently assess the client’s blood pressure to ensure it is returning to normal after appropriate interventions are initiated. Autonomic dysreflexia requires continuous monitoring of blood pressure to avoid complications such as stroke or cardiac events.
4. Administer nifedipine

Contraindicated
While nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker) is used to manage hypertension, it is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment for autonomic dysreflexia in spinal cord injury patients. Instead, interventions should focus on removing the triggering stimulus (e.g., bladder distension, constipation, or pressure ulcers). If blood pressure does not respond, other medications such as nitroglycerin or hydralazine may be used, but nifedipine is not the preferred option.
5. Assess for urinary retention

Anticipated
Urinary retention is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injuries, particularly those with injuries at or above T6. If the client is experiencing symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, one of the first steps is to assess for urinary retention. If the bladder is full, catheterization may be required to relieve the pressure and help normalize the blood pressure. The nurse should assess the client’s urinary status promptly.
6. Place client in supine position

Contraindicated
In the case of autonomic dysreflexia, placing the client in a supine position could potentially worsen the elevated blood pressure by increasing venous return and making it harder for the body to normalize blood pressure. The client should be positioned sitting upright or at a 45-degree angle, which can help lower blood pressure by promoting venous pooling and reducing the effects of the autonomic dysreflexia response.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While understanding potential adverse effects is important, the focus of medication reconciliation is on confirming the medications the client is currently taking.
B. The nurse should compare new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports to ensure accuracy and prevent potential interactions.
C. Nutritional supplements should be included in the medication list as they can affect the client’s
treatment and potential drug interactions.
D. The client should provide a current list of medications, not one from home, as the medications they take at the time of admission are most relevant.

A. expressing concern over memory and thought process, appetite, and self-care B. lost about 8 lb in the past month C. "Why don't you just leave me? I am of no use." D. speaks in a monotone voice

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

Explanation

This is a concerning finding because the adult child reports cognitive and physical decline in the client, which could indicate severe memory loss, cognitive impairment, or potentially dementia or other mental health conditions such as depression or suicidal ideation.
Significant weight loss and decreased appetite in an older adult can indicate serious conditions, including malnutrition, depression, or potentially serious medical conditions such as cancer or other chronic diseases. Immediate follow-up is needed to assess the cause of the weight loss, evaluate the client’s nutritional status, and address any underlying health concerns.
This statement is concerning because it suggests the client may be experiencing depression or suicidal ideation. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to depression, and this expression of worthlessness is a red flag that the client could be at risk for suicide. The nurse shouldimmediately assess the client’s mental health status, ask about thoughts of self-harm, and potentially initiate a psychiatric evaluation.

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System	Findings
General	Adult child accompanying parent reports decline in client, expressing concern over memory and thought process, appetite, and self-care. Adult child states, "My sibling and I hired help at home for my parent. We thought that would help but it has not. I found the title to the car today, signed over to me."
Physical	Client makes poor eye contact, speaks in a monotone voice, and has a lack of facial expression. Client reports sleeping 7 hr a night and getting up "once or twice per night to go to the bathroom." Client reports not wanting to eat anymore. Client's child reports their parent has lost about 8 lb in the past month. Heart rate 68/min
Affect	Client says, "Why don't you just leave me? I am of no use."

A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury. Exhibits For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury.

Exhibits

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.