On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which is the best response by the nurse?

"It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."

"You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."

"No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."

"Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "It is too early to tell. When the spinal shock subsides, we will know more."

This response is appropriate. Spinal shock can initially obscure the extent of neurological injury, and it may take time for the full extent of the injury to become apparent. By acknowledging this and suggesting that more information will be available once spinal shock subsides, the nurse provides a realistic perspective without prematurely predicting the outcome.

B. "You should talk to your physician about things of that nature."

This response may come across as dismissive or evasive. While it is true that the physician ultimately determines the patient's prognosis, the family may be seeking reassurance and guidance from the nurse as well.

C. "No. Significant recovery of function should occur in a few days."

This response is overly optimistic and potentially misleading. While some improvement may occur in the days following a spinal cord injury, significant recovery of function within a few days is unlikely, especially in cases of flaccid paralysis of all extremities.

D. "Yes. In all likelihood, the paralysis is probably permanent."

This response is overly pessimistic and lacks sensitivity. It may unnecessarily distress the family and extinguish hope for the patient's recovery.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Withhold the next dose and notify the physician:

Withholding the next dose of the cholinergic agent is the appropriate immediate action because the presence of inspiratory and expiratory wheezing bilaterally suggests bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm, which can be a serious adverse reaction to the medication. Notifying the physician promptly allows for further assessment and management of the patient's respiratory symptoms. The physician may need to adjust the medication regimen, order diagnostic tests, or provide treatment for bronchoconstriction.

B. Give the next dose:

Administering the next dose of the cholinergic agent could worsen the patient's respiratory symptoms and exacerbate bronchoconstriction. This action is contraindicated in the presence of wheezing, as it may further compromise the patient's respiratory function.

C. Assess heart rate:

While assessing heart rate is an important aspect of patient assessment, it is not the priority in this scenario. The priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential bronchoconstriction associated with the cholinergic agent. Wheezing is a respiratory symptom that suggests airway obstruction, and immediate intervention is necessary to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

D. Assess blood pressure:

Similarly, while assessing blood pressure is important in patient care, it is not the priority in this situation. The priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential bronchoconstriction associated with the cholinergic agent. Wheezing indicates respiratory compromise, and prompt action is required to prevent further respiratory deterioration.

A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg. C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg. D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg. E. Note the time the seizure started

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The client should maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg.

This is an appropriate recommendation. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend maintaining systolic BP below 130 mm Hg to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in individuals with a history of stroke or TIA.

B. The client should maintain systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg.

This is slightly above the recommended range. While systolic BP below 135 mm Hg is generally recommended for individuals with a history of stroke or TIA, a range of 130-135 mm Hg may still be acceptable based on individual patient factors and risk assessments.

C. The client should maintain systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg.

This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg may be considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.

D. The client should maintain systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg.

This is above the recommended range. Systolic BP above 140 mm Hg is generally considered elevated and should be managed to lower levels to reduce the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.

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On admission to the emergency department, a patient with a C5 compression fracture can move only his head and has flaccid paralysis of all extremities. The distraught family asks if the paralysis is permanent. Which is the best response by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient taking a cholinergic agent. When auscultating lung sounds, the nurse notes inspiratory and expiratory wheezing bilaterally. The best action for the nurse to take would be to:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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