A nurse is caring for a patient who experienced a cervical spine injury 12 hours ago and is experiencing spinal shock. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate giving?
Albumin
Nitroprusside
Dexamethasone
Furosemide
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Albumin is a plasma expander and is typically used to restore blood volume in cases of shock, burns, or trauma. However, it is not specifically indicated for managing spinal shock. Albumin helps in maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance but does not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of spinal shock.
Choice B reason: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator used to manage hypertensive crises. It works by rapidly reducing blood pressure through vasodilation. In the context of spinal shock, where hypotension is a concern, administering nitroprusside would be inappropriate as it could exacerbate the hypotensive state and worsen the patient's condition.
Choice C reason: Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, is used to reduce inflammation and edema around the spinal cord following an injury. The anti-inflammatory properties of dexamethasone help to mitigate secondary damage caused by swelling and pressure on the spinal cord tissue. It is commonly administered in cases of acute spinal cord injuries to improve neurological outcomes and manage symptoms of spinal shock.
Choice D reason: Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid overload and edema. It works by increasing urine output, which can help reduce fluid retention in various conditions, such as heart failure and renal impairment. However, it is not specifically indicated for the management of spinal shock and does not address the underlying causes of spinal cord injury-related inflammation and edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Repositioning the patient frequently and promoting deep breathing are important interventions for various conditions, particularly for preventing atelectasis and respiratory complications. However, they are not directly related to preventing the most common serious complication of peritoneal dialysis, which is peritonitis.
Choice B reason: Infusing the dialysate slowly can help manage discomfort and ensure proper fluid exchange during peritoneal dialysis. However, it does not address the most serious complication, which is infection.
Choice C reason: Using strict aseptic technique in dialysis procedures is crucial in preventing peritonitis, the most serious and common complication of peritoneal dialysis. Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneal cavity and can lead to severe complications if not prevented. Adhering to aseptic techniques during catheter insertion, connection, disconnection, and any other procedure involving the dialysis system is essential to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice D reason: Having the patient empty the bowel before the inflow phase can help ensure adequate space in the peritoneal cavity for the dialysate and prevent discomfort. However, this action does not directly prevent the serious complication of peritonitis.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Not needing vascular access to perform PD is a significant advantage for patients. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen as a filter to clean the blood, which eliminates the need for vascular access, such as fistulas or catheters required in hemodialysis. This can reduce the risks associated with vascular access, such as infections and complications related to surgical procedures.
Choice B reason: Being able to perform PD in the comfort of one's home is a major benefit. Patients can manage their dialysis treatments at home, which offers more convenience and flexibility compared to traveling to a dialysis center for hemodialysis sessions. This can greatly improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of frequent trips to healthcare facilities.
Choice C reason: Stating that there is no risk for infection with PD is inaccurate. While PD offers many benefits, it does carry a risk of peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneal cavity. Patients must be educated on proper technique and hygiene to minimize this risk. Hence, this statement is not accurate and should not be included as an advantage.
Choice D reason: Having flexibility in when to do the exchanges is another benefit of PD. Patients can schedule their dialysis exchanges at times that best fit their lifestyle and daily routines. This flexibility allows for greater independence and freedom compared to the fixed schedules required for in-center hemodialysis.
Choice E reason: PD can take less time than hemodialysis treatments, especially when considering travel and waiting times associated with in-center hemodialysis. Although the actual dialysis process for PD requires regular exchanges throughout the day or night, it integrates more seamlessly into daily life, making it a time-efficient option for many patients.
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