The nurse is caring for a mechanically ventilated spinal cord injury patient in the ICU. To avoid the complication of autonomic dysreflexia, the nurse plans to implement the following orders:
Apply tight-fitting clothing
Complete frequent skin checks
Initiate a bowel regimen program
Insert an indwelling Foley catheter
Restrict all patient visitors
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A reason:
Applying tight-fitting clothing is not recommended for patients at risk of autonomic dysreflexia. Tight clothing can be a trigger for this condition by causing discomfort and potentially leading to an exaggerated autonomic response.
Choice B reason:
Completing frequent skin checks is crucial in preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Skin irritation, pressure sores, and other integumentary issues can trigger autonomic responses. Regular assessments help in early identification and prevention of potential irritants.
Choice C reason:
Initiating a bowel regimen program is essential for preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Constipation or bowel distension can be potent triggers for this condition. A consistent bowel program helps in managing and preventing these issues.
Choice D reason:
Inserting an indwelling Foley catheter is recommended to manage bladder distention, a common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. Continuous bladder drainage prevents overdistention and reduces the risk of triggering autonomic responses.
Choice E reason:
Restricting all patient visitors is unnecessary for preventing autonomic dysreflexia. While a calm environment can be beneficial, visitor restriction is not directly related to managing the risk of this specific condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis is the best method to determine the effectiveness of treatments in a client receiving mechanical ventilation. ABGs provide direct information about the patient's oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status, which are critical in managing acute respiratory failure.
Choice B reason:
While blood pressure is important for overall patient monitoring, it does not provide specific information about the effectiveness of ventilation and respiratory status. It is more related to hemodynamic stability.
Choice C reason:
Capillary refill can provide some information about peripheral perfusion but is not specific enough to assess the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation or respiratory treatments.
Choice D reason:
Heart rate is a vital sign that can indicate the patient's overall condition but does not specifically assess the effectiveness of ventilation or respiratory treatments. It should be considered along with other more specific respiratory assessments.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Applying oxygen at 100% is an important step in managing a patient with a life-threatening chest injury. However, ensuring a patent airway is the first priority, as it is crucial to maintain airway patency to facilitate oxygen delivery. Without an open airway, oxygen administration would be ineffective.
Choice B reason:
Assessing the heart rate is part of the initial assessment in emergency care. However, the priority is to ensure a patent airway, as a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and rapid deterioration of the patient's condition. Heart rate assessment can follow once airway patency is confirmed.
Choice C reason:
Ensuring a patent airway is the top priority in the emergency management of a patient with a life-threatening chest injury. Airway patency is essential for effective ventilation and oxygenation. If the airway is obstructed, the patient cannot receive oxygen or expel carbon dioxide, leading to life-threatening complications.
Choice D reason:
Starting two large-bore IV lines is important for fluid resuscitation and medication administration. However, the primary focus should be on ensuring a patent airway, as immediate airway management is critical to the patient's survival in the acute phase of a life-threatening chest injury.
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