The medical reports of a client who suffered an accident show injuries at the sixth thoracic vertebra, lack of normal sympathetic outflow, bradycardia and low blood pressure. Which condition does the nurse suspect in the client?
Conus medullaris syndrome
Concussion
Neurogenic shock
Diffuse axonal injury
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: Conus medullaris syndrome involves injury or compression to the end portion of the spinal cord and can present with various symptoms but not necessarily lack of normal sympathetic outflow leading to shock.
Choice B rationale: Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, and the symptoms described align more with spinal cord injury leading to neurogenic shock.
Choice C rationale: Neurogenic shock occurs due to the loss of sympathetic tone and is characterized by bradycardia, low blood pressure, and vasodilation following spinal cord injury at or above the level of the sixth thoracic vertebra.
Choice D rationale: Diffuse axonal injury typically presents with more widespread brain injury-related symptoms and is not associated with the specific spinal cord-related symptoms described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Arterial blood gas (ABG) findings provide direct information about oxygenation and acid-base balance in the blood, which can indicate hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale: Oxygen saturation level provides information about oxygen saturation in the blood but doesn't give a complete assessment of acid-base balance or other gases in the blood.
Choice C rationale: White blood cell differential assesses different types of white blood cells and is not directly related to evaluating hypoxemia or metabolic acidosis.
Choice D rationale: Red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin count findings are important but do not directly assess hypoxemia or metabolic acidosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Peptic ulcer disease doesn't typically present with ecchymosis around the umbilicus (Cullen's sign) or significantly elevated amylase and lipase levels.
Choice B rationale: Gastroenteritis is less likely given the specific symptoms, physical exam findings, and laboratory results indicating pancreatic involvement.
Choice C rationale: Acute pancreatitis fits the clinical picture with epigastric pain after heavy alcohol use, persistent nausea/vomiting, tenderness, and elevated amylase and lipase levels.
Choice D rationale: Diverticulitis typically presents with symptoms more localized to the lower abdomen and doesn't cause the characteristic findings seen in this scenario.
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