When planning care for a client with a C3 spinal cord injury, which of the following will the nurse identify as the priority ongoing assessment?
A Urinary output
B Blood Pressure
C Counting respirations
D Bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Rationale: Urinary output is also an important assessment in clients with a C3 spinal cord injury because it helps monitor for urinary retention and potential complications but it is not a priority compared to assessing the respiratory function of this client.
Choice B Rationale: Blood pressure is important to monitor but may not be the top priority assessment in this context.
Choice C Rationale: The nurse should prioritize counting respirations for a client with a C3 spinal cord injury, as this level of injury affects the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm. The client may have difficulty breathing and require mechanical ventilation.
Choice D Rationale: Bowel sounds are important but may not be the priority assessment in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Urinary output is also an important assessment in clients with a C3 spinal cord injury because it helps monitor for urinary retention and potential complications but it is not a priority compared to assessing the respiratory function of this client.
Choice B Rationale: Blood pressure is important to monitor but may not be the top priority assessment in this context.
Choice C Rationale: The nurse should prioritize counting respirations for a client with a C3 spinal cord injury, as this level of injury affects the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm. The client may have difficulty breathing and require mechanical ventilation.
Choice D Rationale: Bowel sounds are important but may not be the priority assessment in this case.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Leakage is not typically associated with upper motor neuron deficits related to a spinal cord injury.
Choice B Rationale: Anuria (absence of urine production) is not a common manifestation of upper motor neuron deficits in this context.
Choice C Rationale: A flaccid bladder and an inability to voluntarily void are more characteristic of lower motor neuron deficits. Upper motor neuron deficits often lead to spasticity and involuntary voiding.
Choice D Rationale: Spasticity and involuntary voiding are common manifestations of upper motor neuron deficits related to spinal cord injury. This is due to the loss of inhibitory control over reflexes, including the micturition reflex.
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