Following morning care, a client with a C-5 spinal cord injury who is sitting in a wheelchair becomes flushed and complains of a headache. Which intervention should the nurse implementfirst?
Administer a prescribed PRN dose of hydralazine.
Assess the client's blood pressures every 15 minutes.
Teach the client to recognize the symptoms of dysreflexia.
Relieve any kinks or obstruction in the client's Foley tubing.
The Correct Answer is D
A) This can be done if initial non-pharmacological interventions do not relieve symptoms, but it is not the first step.
B) Monitoring blood pressure is important, but it is secondary to removing the stimulus causing the dysreflexia.
C) Incorrect- While education is important for long-term management, the client is currently experiencing symptoms that need immediate attention. The priority is to assess and address the current symptoms.
D) The client is likely experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, flushing, headache, and other symptoms triggered by a noxious stimulus below the level of injury. The first step in managing autonomic dysreflexia is to identify and eliminate the triggering stimulus. For clients with a Foley catheter, a common cause of autonomic dysreflexia is bladder distention due to a kinked or obstructed catheter. Relieving any kinks or obstructions in the Foley tubing can immediately alleviate the symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction and potentially inhibit the let-down reflex. While it might temporarily firm the tissue, it does not effectively address the anatomical challenge of inverted nipples.
Choice B rationale: While a pump can help draw out a nipple or maintain supply, the immediate concern is the baby's inability to latch at the breast for a successful feeding session.
Choice C rationale: Offering formula as a first-line intervention can undermine the mother's breastfeeding goals and interfere with the establishment of her milk supply and the infant's natural sucking reflex.
Choice D rationale: A breast shield is a silicone device that fits over the nipple and areola, providing a firm, protruded surface for the infant to latch onto when nipples are flat.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Clients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease may experience impaired judgment and cognitive decline, which can increase their risk for injury. Arranging the client's environment in a way that allows them to move about freely helps promote their safety and reduces the risk of accidents or falls.
Engaging the client in regularly scheduled activities during the day is a beneficial intervention as it provides structure and stimulation for the client. However, it may not directly address the risk for injury related to impaired judgment.
Offering the client frequent reassurance that they will be safe is important to provide emotional support, but it may not be sufficient in preventing physical harm or addressing the specific nursing problem of risk for injury.
Assigning a UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel) to provide the client with total personal care may be helpful in assisting with activities of daily living. However, it does not directly address the risk for injury related to impaired judgment, and the nurse should have a central role in coordinating and overseeing the client's care.
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