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 C

Explanation

A. Perform passive range of motion on each extremity:

While passive range of motion exercises are important for preventing contractures and maintaining joint mobility in immobilized clients, they are not the highest priority in this situation. Airway management takes precedence over mobility exercises.

B. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels:

Monitoring electrolyte levels is important for overall assessment and management of the client's health, but it is not the highest priority when the client's airway and breathing are compromised.

C. Suction saliva from the client's mouth:

This is the correct answer. Suctioning saliva from the client's mouth helps maintain a clear airway and prevents aspiration. Unconscious clients are at risk for pooling of oral secretions, which can obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory complications.

D. Record the client's intake and output:

While monitoring intake and output is an essential part of nursing care, it is not the highest priority when the client's airway and breathing are compromised.

A. Decreased pedal pulses B. Hypertension C. Peripheral edema D. Diarrhea

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Decreased pedal pulses:

Decreased pedal pulses are not typically associated with increased intracranial pressure. Instead, they may indicate peripheral vascular disease or reduced perfusion to the lower extremities. Monitoring peripheral pulses is important for assessing circulation but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes.

B. Hypertension:

Hypertension can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. The body may respond to elevated intracranial pressure by increasing blood pressure to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure. However, hypertension alone is not specific to increased ICP and can have various causes.

C. Peripheral edema:

Peripheral edema is not a typical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. It may occur in conditions such as heart failure or renal dysfunction but is not directly related to intracranial pressure changes following a craniotomy.

D. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is not a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased ICP is more likely to manifest with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, altered level of consciousness, and focal neurological deficits.

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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

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