The arterial blood gas (ABG) report of a patient with a spinal cord injury indicates hypoxia. Select two interventions the nurse would perform to improve the patient's respiratory status.
Perform assisted coughing.
Administer steroids.
Administer oxygen.
Administer antibiotic drugs.
Correct Answer : A,C
Choice A reason: Performing assisted coughing is crucial for patients with spinal cord injuries who may have weakened respiratory muscles. Assisted coughing helps clear secretions from the airways, thus improving oxygenation and preventing respiratory complications like pneumonia.
Choice B reason: Administering steroids is not a primary intervention for addressing hypoxia in patients with spinal cord injuries. Steroids can be used to reduce inflammation, but they do not directly improve respiratory status or oxygenation.
Choice C reason: Administering oxygen is a direct and effective intervention for managing hypoxia. Supplemental oxygen helps ensure that the patient maintains adequate blood oxygen levels, which is critical for overall tissue perfusion and function.
Choice D reason: Administering antibiotics is not immediately relevant to the treatment of hypoxia unless there is an underlying infection causing or contributing to respiratory distress. Antibiotics are used to treat infections, not directly to improve respiratory status in cases of hypoxia.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the patient in restraints for safety is not typically necessary unless the patient is agitated or a danger to themselves or others. This action is not directly addressing the acute condition of a stroke.
Choice B reason: Inserting an NGT (nasogastric tube) is not an immediate priority in the acute management of a stroke. This might be considered later if the patient has swallowing difficulties and needs nutritional support, but it is not a first-line intervention.
Choice C reason: Anticipating thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke is appropriate, as timely administration of thrombolytics can dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to the affected brain area, potentially reducing the severity of the stroke.
Choice D reason: Establishing IV access with normal saline is crucial for administering medications and maintaining hydration. It ensures that the patient can receive necessary interventions promptly.
Choice E reason: Placing the patient in the prone position is not appropriate in the management of an acute stroke. The prone position is generally used in respiratory conditions to improve oxygenation but is not relevant to stroke management.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the patient to try bearing weight on the injured ankle is not appropriate at this stage. Bearing weight can cause further injury or exacerbate the swelling and pain. The initial treatment should focus on reducing swelling and providing support.
Choice B reason: Elevating the ankle above heart level is appropriate because it helps to reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation in the affected area. Elevation is a standard first aid measure for managing acute injuries and swelling.
Choice C reason: Applying a warm moist pack to the ankle is not advisable immediately after an injury. In the acute phase, cold therapy (ice) is recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Warm therapy is more appropriate during the recovery phase, once swelling has subsided.
Choice D reason: Assessing the ankle's passive range of motion (ROM) may be necessary later, but not immediately upon arrival. The priority is to manage pain and swelling first. ROM assessments can be painful and might worsen the injury if conducted too soon.
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