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 A
Explanation
The information that the nurse should obtain from the client first is: Reason for taking the aspirin.
It is important to first understand why the client was taking aspirin in order to determine the potential implications of switching to ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but they have different indications and effects. Aspirin is commonly used for its antiplatelet properties to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while ibuprofen is primarily used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
By understanding the reason for taking aspirin, the nurse can assess if the client was using it for its antiplatelet effects, which is important information to consider for the client's overall health and well-being.
Once the reason for taking aspirin is determined, the nurse can proceed to inquire about the other relevant information, such as the dosage of ibuprofen taken, presence of gastric pain, and amount of pain control. These details will help in assessing the client's current medication regimen, potential side effects or complications, and overall pain management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assessing the client's level of consciousness involves observing their responsiveness, orientation, and ability to follow commands. If the client is unresponsive or exhibits any signs of altered consciousness, the nurse should immediately activate the emergency response system and begin resuscitative measures, such as administering oxygen and initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
Once the client's level of consciousness is established and the emergency response system has been activated if necessary, the nurse can proceed to assess the depth of the slashes, estimate the amount of blood loss, and find the object used to cause the injuries. These assessments will provide important information about the extent and severity of the client's injuries, which will guide subsequent interventions.
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.
