The nurse is caring for a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at the level of C7. Which intervention would the nurse implement in order to prevent complications related to immobility?
Frequent passive range of motion
Coughing and deep breathing exercises once per shift
Turn patient every 4 hours
Ambulate patient twice per shift
The Correct Answer is A
A. Frequent passive range of motion exercises are crucial for preventing complications of immobility, such as contractures and pressure ulcers, and to promote circulation in patients with spinal cord injuries.
B. While coughing and deep breathing exercises are important for respiratory health, they should be performed more frequently than once per shift in patients with reduced mobility to prevent respiratory complications.
C. Turning the patient every 4 hours may not be adequate to prevent pressure ulcers; typically, patients should be turned at least every 2 hours.
D. Patients with a complete spinal cord injury at C7 typically lack the ability to ambulate, making this intervention inappropriate.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While lung injury could occur in traumatic situations, it is not the primary reason for mechanical ventilation in the context of a spinal cord injury.
B. A history of smoking may affect lung health but does not directly justify the immediate need for mechanical ventilation following a spinal cord injury.
C. The nerves that control lung function may be injured in a cervical spinal cord injury, particularly at higher levels like C3-C5, leading to respiratory muscle paralysis and necessitating mechanical ventilation to support breathing.
D. While unconsciousness may complicate breathing, the primary concern is the loss of function in the spinal cord nerves controlling respiration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The head tilt chin lift method should be avoided due to the risk of aggravating a spinal injury; the jaw-thrust maneuver is safer if airway management is necessary.
B. While controlling bleeding is important, cervical spine stabilization takes priority in trauma with suspected spinal injury.
C. Not moving the victim is appropriate, but stabilizing the cervical spine provides active support to avoid further injury.
D. Stabilizing the cervical spine is crucial to prevent potential spinal cord damage in an unconscious trauma victim, particularly in a motor vehicle accident. This action helps prevent exacerbation of any spinal injury.
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