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 D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administer a bronchodilator following meals: Bronchodilators should be administered before meals, not after, to help relieve shortness of breath and improve the client’s ability to eat without fatigue or dyspnea. Giving them afterward does not assist with eating difficulties.
B. Limit the client's food consumption between meals: Restricting food intake between meals would reduce overall caloric intake, which is counterproductive for a client who is underweight and experiencing nutritional deficits due to COPD. Frequent small meals are usually recommended.
C. Arrange for a low-protein diet: Clients with COPD who are underweight often need adequate protein to maintain muscle mass and respiratory function. A low-protein diet could worsen malnutrition and impair recovery.
D. Request non-gas-forming foods from the dietary department: Non-gas-forming foods reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort, which can make eating easier for clients with COPD who experience dyspnea. This intervention supports improved caloric intake and minimizes respiratory compromise during meals.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Remove the client's catheter: Removing the catheter could allow more air to enter the circulation and worsen the embolism. The priority is to prevent further air entry while stabilizing the client, not immediate removal of the line.
B. Prepare the client for chest tube insertion: Chest tubes are used for pneumothorax or pleural effusions, not for treating an air embolism. Immediate positioning and oxygen therapy are the primary interventions.
C. Place the client in a left-lateral Trendelenburg position: Positioning the client in the left-lateral Trendelenburg (head down, left side down) traps air in the right atrium and prevents it from entering the pulmonary circulation, reducing cardiovascular compromise. This is the recommended first intervention for a suspected air embolism.
D. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver: Performing the Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and may temporarily help, but it is not the first priority. Proper positioning and immediate oxygen administration are more critical to prevent complications.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
