The nurse is providing care for a client who was placed in a halo brace 2 days ago because of a spinal cord injury. Which assessment is the first priority of the nurse?
Loosen all of the connections on the vest to assess the skin
Ask about the client's ability to perform range of motion to legs
Ask how the client is able to reposition self in bed
Assess the pin sites
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Rationale: Loosening all of the connections on the vest to assess the skin is not the first priority and may compromise the stability of the halo brace.
Choice B Rationale: Asking about the client's ability to perform range of motion to legs is important but may not be the first priority.
Choice C Rationale: Asking how the client is able to reposition self in bed is important but may not be the first priority.
Choice D Rationale: Assessing the pin sites is the first priority in caring for a client with a halo brace, as complications related to pin site infections or issues can have significant consequences. Pin site care and assessment are crucial to prevent infections and complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: hyperextension is when the neck is bent backward beyond its normal range of motion. This can happen in a rear-end collision or a fall on the back of the head.
Choice B Rationale: A spinal cord injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding structures, such as the vertebrae, ligaments, or discs. The most common cause of spinal cord injury is trauma, which can result from direct impact, penetration, or excessive force on the spine. Diving into shallow water can cause compression of the spine, which means that the vertebrae are pushed together and squeeze the spinal cord. This can damage the nerve fibers and disrupt the communicationbetween the brain and the body. Compression injuries can affect any part of the spine, but are more common in the cervical and thoracic regions.
Choice C Rationale: flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time. This can happen in a sports injury or a violent assault.
Choice D Rationale: This is when the neck is bent forward beyond its normal range of motion. This can cause the posterior part of the vertebral column to compress and fracture, while the anterior part of the spinal cord is stretched and injured. This can happen in a head-on collision or a fall on the face. A flexion-rotation is when the neck is bent and twisted at the same time.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: The patient who developed a new cough after eating breakfast should be seen first. This sudden change in respiratory status during or after eating suggests a potential risk of aspiration, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory distress or pneumonia.
Choice B Rationale: Medication refusal, while important, is not an immediate life threatening issue compared to a new cough with the potential for aspiration.
Choice C Rationale: Although constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not an acute priority compared to a new cough that may indicate a respiratory problem.
Choice D Rationale: A stage II pressure ulcer on the coccyx, while concerning, is not an immediate priority over a potential respiratory issue that requires urgent attention.
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