A nurse is caring for a client who has a T-4 spinal cord injury. Which of the following client findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is at risk for experiencing autonomic dysreflexia?
The client's bladder becomes distended.
The client states having a severe headache.
The client's blood pressure becomes elevated.
The client states having nasal congestion.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A Reason: A distended bladder is one of the most common triggers of autonomic dysreflexia, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs in clients with spinal cord injuries above T-6. The bladder becomes overfilled and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and hypertension.
Choice B Reason: A severe headache is one of the most common symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, caused by the increased blood pressure in the brain. The headache may be accompanied by blurred vision, sweating, flushing, or anxiety.
Choice C Reason: An elevated blood pressure is the hallmark sign of autonomic dysreflexia, which can reach dangerously high levels and cause stroke, seizure, or death. The blood pressure may rise up to 300/160 mmHg or higher.
Choice D Reason: Nasal congestion is another possible trigger of autonomic dysreflexia, as it stimulates the nasal mucosa and activates the sympathetic nervous system. Other potential triggers include bowel impaction, skin irritation, tight clothing, or temperature changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Culture is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a laboratory test that involves growing microorganisms from a sample of body fluid or tissue. Culture can help identify the type and sensitivity of the infection-causing agent.
Choice B Reason: KOH is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a chemical test that involves applying potassium hydroxide to a sample of skin, hair, or nail. KOH can help diagnose fungal infections by dissolving the keratin and revealing the fungal elements under a microscope.
Choice C Reason: Diascopy is not a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, but a physical test that involves applying pressure to a lesion with a glass slide or lens. Diascopy can help differentiate between blanchable and non-blanchable lesions, such as erythema or petechiae.
Choice D Reason: Wood's is a diagnostic test that uses an ultraviolet light source, also known as a Wood's lamp or black light. Wood's can help observe color changes to the skin that are not visible under normal light, such as fluorescence or hypopigmentation. Wood's can help diagnose conditions such as tinea capitis, vitiligo, or erythrasma.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because this question will help the nurse assess the pain level and discomfort of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are raised skin lesions that are red and covered with scales. They can indicate psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and rapid turnover of skin cells. Psoriasis can cause pain, itching, burning, or stinging sensations in the affected areas. The nurse should ask the client to rate their pain on a numeric or descriptive scale and provide analgesics or topical agents as prescribed.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not affected by food intake but by other factors such as stress, infection, injury, or medication. Psoriasis is not an allergic or dietary disorder, but an immune-mediated disorder that causes abnormal skin cell growth. The nurse should ask the client about their medical history, current medications, and triggers or aggravating factors for their psoriasis.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not treated with antibiotics but with other medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, which are not the cause of psoriasis. The nurse should ask the client about their treatment regimen, compliance, and effectiveness for their psoriasis.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this question will not help the nurse assess the condition of
the client with red scaling papules. Red scaling papules are not related to weekend activities but to chronic skin inflammation and abnormal cell turnover. Psoriasis is not a lifestyle disorder, but a genetic disorder that can be influenced by environmental factors. The nurse should ask the client about their family history, exposure to sun or cold, and stress level for their psoriasis.
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