A nurse is caring for a client who has a thoracic spine injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when turning the client?
Place a pillow under the client's knees when changing positions.
Use a sheet when repositioning the client onto his side.
Apply an immobilizing collar on the client prior to movement.
Instruct the client to keep his arms at his side when altering positions.
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Place a pillow under the client's knees when changing positions: Elevating the knees with a pillow may be appropriate for comfort, but in a client with a thoracic spine injury, this can alter spinal alignment and increase the risk of further injury. Maintaining proper spinal alignment during all movements is more important than knee elevation.
B. Use a sheet when repositioning the client onto his side: Using a sheet for logrolling or turning helps maintain spinal alignment and allows multiple caregivers to move the client safely as a unit. This technique minimizes rotation or flexion of the spine, which is critical in preventing further spinal cord injury in clients with thoracic spine trauma.
C. Apply an immobilizing collar on the client prior to movement: Cervical collars are used for cervical spine injuries, not thoracic spine injuries. Applying a collar would not stabilize the thoracic spine and could give a false sense of security while performing repositioning.
D. Instruct the client to keep his arms at his side when altering positions: The client may need to assist in turning if possible, and keeping the arms rigidly at the side is not necessary. Restricting arm movement does not ensure spinal safety and may limit the client’s ability to participate safely in repositioning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Remind the client to eat scheduled meals daily.: As clients near the end of life, appetite naturally decreases due to metabolic changes and reduced physiologic demand. Encouraging scheduled meals can create discomfort or distress and does not improve outcomes. Supportive care focuses on comfort rather than forcing nutritional intake.
B. Place the client in a supine position.: A supine position can worsen respiratory effort, increase the sensation of breathlessness, and promote secretion pooling. Terminal clients often breathe more comfortably in semi-Fowler’s or side-lying positions, which help ease ventilation and support comfort-based care.
C. Offer the client a blanket to keep warm.: Clients at the end of life commonly experience decreased body temperature due to reduced circulation and metabolic slowing. Gently providing a blanket supports comfort without invasive measures. Maintaining warmth helps ease physical distress and aligns with palliative goals focused on dignity and relief.
D. Speak in a loud tone when addressing the client.: Hearing is often the last sense to diminish, so speaking loudly is unnecessary and may startle or distress the client. A calm, soft voice preserves a peaceful environment and promotes emotional comfort, supporting both the client and family during end-of-life care.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Naloxone: Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose. It does not provide pain relief and is not appropriate for managing acute exacerbations of chronic pain.
B. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is useful for mild to moderate pain but may be insufficient for an acute exacerbation of chronic pain, especially if the client has severe or breakthrough pain.
C. Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic appropriate for managing severe acute pain or acute exacerbations of chronic pain. It acts rapidly to relieve pain and is often used in clients already tolerant to opioids.
D. Zolpidem: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia. It does not have analgesic properties and is not indicated for pain management.
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