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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Checking the patient's orientation to time and date is a part of assessing cognitive function but is not specific to the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice B Rationale: Obtaining a list of the patient's prescribed medications is important for the overall assessment but is not specific to the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice C Rationale: Determining the patient's ability to recognize a common object is not a component of the Mini-Cog exam.
Choice D Rationale: Asking the patient to draw a clock with a specific time is a key component of the Mini-Cog exam, which assesses cognitive impairment and is commonly used to screen for Alzheimer's disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Assessing the client for bladder distention is the first and most crucial step in managing autonomic dysreflexia. Bladder distention is a common trigger for this condition in clients with spinal cord injuries. Identifying and addressing the cause (bladder distention) is the priority to prevent further complications.
Choice B Rationale: Laying the client flat may not resolve the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia and should be done after identifying and addressing the trigger.
Choice C Rationale: Obtaining the client's heart rate is important but should come after assessing for bladder distention since the primary concern in autonomic dysreflexia is elevated blood pressure due to a noxious stimulus.
Choice D Rationale: Administering a nitrate antihypertensive may be necessary if other interventions do not resolve the blood pressure elevation, but it should not be the first action. Identifying and addressing the cause, such as bladder distention, is the priority.
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