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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: The test is not inconclusive, but rather positive for conductive hearing loss. The Weber test involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the center of the forehead and asking the client which ear hears the sound louder. It can help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. The client has conductive hearing loss, which is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound waves are blocked or reduced in the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by earwax, infection, fluid, perforation, or trauma. In conductive hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the affected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.
Choice C Reason: The client does not have normal hearing, but rather conductive hearing loss. In normal hearing, the Weber test shows no lateralization, meaning the sound is heard equally in both ears.
Choice D Reason: The client does not have sensorineural hearing loss, but rather conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It can be caused by aging, noise exposure, disease, or drugs. In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the unaffected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Measuring the abdominal girth is not related to asterixis, which is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended. It may indicate ascites, which is a complication of cirrhosis, but not asterixis.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, sometimes said to resemble a bird flapping its wings. It is caused by abnormal function of the diencephalic motor centers that regulate the muscles involved in maintaining posture. It is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with liver disease.
Choice C Reason: Having the client flex and extend their foot is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for ankle clonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of the calf muscles when the foot is dorsiflexed. It indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, but not hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D Reason: Asking the client to walk heel to toe is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for balance and coordination, which can be impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, but it is not a specific sign of asterixis.
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