Which action should the nurse recognize as the highest priority for a patient who was admitted 16 hours earlier with a C5 spinal cord injury?

Cardiac monitoring for bradycardia

Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin

Assessment of respiratory rate and effort

Application of pneumatic compression devices to legs

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Cardiac monitoring for bradycardia: While cardiac changes can occur with spinal cord injury, respiratory complications are more common and pose a greater immediate threat to the patient's well-being. Therefore, assessing respiratory status takes priority over cardiac monitoring in this situation.

B. Administration of low-molecular-weight heparin: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is important for patients with spinal cord injury, but it is not the highest priority within the first 16 hours of admission. Respiratory assessment is more critical for immediate patient safety.

C. Assessment of respiratory rate and effort: Respiratory complications, such as impaired breathing or respiratory failure, are common in patients with spinal cord injury, particularly at the C5 level, which affects the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Early detection of respiratory distress is crucial for timely intervention to prevent respiratory compromise.

D. Application of pneumatic compression devices to legs: Pneumatic compression devices are used for preventing venous thromboembolism, but they do not address the immediate priority of assessing and managing respiratory status in a patient with spinal cord injury.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "You may be able to prevent Bell's palsy by doing facial exercises regularly." Regular facial exercises have not been proven to prevent Bell's palsy. In fact, excessive facial exercises could potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases.

B. "Medications to treat Bell's palsy work only if started before paralysis onset." While early treatment with antiviral medications may be beneficial in some cases, it is not accurate to say that medications only work if started before paralysis onset. Treatment can still be effective even after the onset of symptoms, although it may not be as effective as when started early.

C. "Call the doctor if you experience pain or develop herpes lesions near the ear." This is important information because Bell's palsy has been associated with reactivation of the herpes simplex virus. Pain or the development of herpes lesions near the ear could indicate impending or active Bell's palsy, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

D. "Prophylactic treatment of herpes with antiviral agents prevents Bell's palsy." While antiviral medications can reduce the risk of herpes simplex virus reactivation, there is no guarantee that prophylactic treatment will prevent Bell's palsy. However, prompt treatment of herpes outbreaks may help reduce the risk.

A. Place suction equipment at the client's bedside. B. Provide range-of-motion exercises to the client's neck and shoulders. C. Apply an eye patch to the client's right eye. D. Avoid the use of warm water to wash the client's face.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Place suction equipment at the client's bedside: Impairment of cranial nerves IX and X can lead to difficulty swallowing and impaired gag reflex, increasing the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction. Therefore, having suction equipment readily available is essential to maintain a patent airway and manage secretions effectively.

B. Provide range-of-motion exercises to the client's neck and shoulders: While range-of-motion exercises may be beneficial for preventing muscle stiffness and contractures, they are not directly related to the client's risk of airway compromise or aspiration.

C. Apply an eye patch to the client's right eye: Acoustic neuroma typically affects cranial nerves VII and VIII, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss and facial weakness. Applying an eye patch to the client's right eye is not necessary for cranial nerve IX and X impairment unless there are specific ocular symptoms.

D. Avoid the use of warm water to wash the client's face: Warm water may be used to wash the client's face safely and is not contraindicated specifically for a client with impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. However, precautions should be taken to ensure that water does not enter the airway if the client has difficulty swallowing or impaired gag reflex.

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Which action should the nurse recognize as the highest priority for a patient who was admitted 16 hours earlier with a C5 spinal cord injury?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse identifies a patient with type 1 diabetes and a history of herpes simplex infection as being at risk for Bell's palsy. Which information should the nurse include in teaching the patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has right-sided acoustic neuroma resulting in impairment of cranial nerves IX and X. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which action should the nurse recognize as the highest priority for a patient who was admitted 16 hours earlier with a C5 spinal cord injury?

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