The nurse assesses the patient with a spinal cord injury at the level C-7 and finds warm, flushed skin with profuse sweating above the level of injury, and pale, cold skin below the level of injury. The patient is bradycardic, but severely hypertensive. What are the priority nursing interventions?

Establish IV access apply 2L O2 via nasal cannula, and notify provider

Assess below injury for noxious stimuli anticipate order hypertensive medication

Administer acetaminophen and initiate intravenous (IV) fluids anticipate order for atropine

Lower the head of the bed and apply a cool compress to the forehead

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Establish IV access, apply 2L O2 via nasal cannula, and notify provider:
While establishing IV access and providing oxygen are important aspects of managing many emergencies, this patient's symptoms suggest the presence of autonomic dysreflexia rather than a primary respiratory or circulatory issue. In autonomic dysreflexia, the primary concern is to remove the noxious stimulus (such as a full bladder, bowel impaction, or tight clothing) that is causing the severe hypertension and bradycardia.

B) Assess below injury for noxious stimuli, anticipate order for hypertensive medication:
The patient’s symptoms are consistent with autonomic dysreflexia, a serious condition that occurs in individuals with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. The body’s autonomic nervous system overreacts to noxious stimuli (such as a distended bladder, bowel impaction, or skin irritation) below the level of injury, leading to a severe hypertensive crisis, bradycardia, and sympathetic hyperactivity. The nurse should immediately assess for and relieve any noxious stimuli below the injury level (e.g., checking for a full bladder, constipation, or tight clothing) and anticipate an order for antihypertensive medications if the blood pressure remains elevated.

C) Administer acetaminophen and initiate intravenous (IV) fluids, anticipate order for atropine:
While pain and discomfort (which can exacerbate autonomic dysreflexia) may need to be managed, acetaminophen is not the priority in this case. The priority is addressing the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia, such as relieving noxious stimuli. Additionally, atropine is used for bradycardia, but in autonomic dysreflexia, the bradycardia is secondary to the hypertensive crisis and usually resolves once the noxious stimulus is removed.

D) Lower the head of the bed and apply a cool compress to the forehead:
Although lowering the head of the bed may help reduce intracranial pressure and applying a cool compress may provide comfort, these interventions do not address the underlying cause of the autonomic dysreflexia.

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Correct Answer is ["13.7"]

Explanation

Given:

Ordered dose of Furosemide: 1 mg/kg

Patient weight: 121 lbs

Concentration of Furosemide: 40 mg/10 mL (4 mg/mL)

Step 1: Convert patient weight from pounds to kilograms:

1 pound (lb) = 0.453592 kilograms (kg)

Patient weight in kg = 121 lbs x 0.453592 kg/lb = 54.877832 kg

Step 2: Calculate the total dose of Furosemide:

Total dose (mg) = Ordered dose (mg/kg) x Patient weight (kg)

Total dose (mg) = 1 mg/kg x 54.877832 kg

Total dose (mg) = 54.877832 mg

Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered:

Volume (mL) = Total dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

Volume (mL) = 54.877832 mg / 4 mg/mL

Volume (mL) = 13.719458 mL

Step 4: Round to the nearest tenth:

Volume (mL) ≈ 13.7 mL

A. ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort B. Incorporate rest periods throughout the day C. Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment D. Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Ice packs may be applied to the site for 30 minutes every hour for comfort:
This is not an appropriate recommendation for skin care related to radiation therapy. Applying ice packs to the skin can cause vasoconstriction and might worsen skin irritation or damage from radiation. Instead, the patient should be advised to avoid extreme temperatures, including hot or cold compresses, which could exacerbate skin issues in the radiation field.

B) Incorporate rest periods throughout the day:
While rest is important for overall well-being during radiation therapy, this instruction does not directly address the skin care needs associated with radiation. The primary concern with radiation therapy is protecting the skin from further irritation and damage, so specific skin care measures are more crucial in this context than general rest periods.

C) Do not share bathrooms/toilets with others for 48 hours after treatment:
This instruction is not necessary for most patients undergoing radiation therapy, especially for lung cancer. The concern about not sharing bathrooms or toilets generally applies to patients receiving brachytherapy or radioactive implants, where radiation is placed inside the body. For external radiation, there is no risk of contamination through shared bathroom use.

D) Wear loose, soft clothing over the treated area:
This is the most appropriate instruction for skin care during radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause the skin to become tender, red, and irritated, so wearing loose, soft clothing will help minimize friction and pressure on the skin. Tight or rough clothing can irritate the radiation site, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton can help keep the skin comfortable and allow it to heal while protecting it from further damage.

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The nurse assesses the patient with a spinal cord injury at the level C-7 and finds warm, flushed skin with profuse sweating above the level of injury, and pale, cold skin below the level of injury. The patient is bradycardic, but severely hypertensive. What are the priority nursing interventions?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is ordered 1 mg/kg of furosemide IV push. The patient weights 121 lbs. The medication is supplied 40 mg/10 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (round to the nearest tenth)

Correct Answer is ["13.7"]

Explanation

Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide a client who is receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer when teaching about skin care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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