Your spinal cord injury (SCI) patient complains of a throbbing headache and nausea. You observe the patient has marked diaphoresis, and you think the patient may have autonomic dysreflexia. Place the following interventions in the order you would complete them.
Check the blood pressure
Obtain a bladder scan
Notify the doctor
Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees
The Correct Answer is D,A,B,C
Choice D reason: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is the first intervention the nurse should perform. This position helps lower the patient's blood pressure by promoting venous pooling in the lower extremities and reducing the return of blood to the heart. It also aids in better breathing and overall comfort.
Choice A reason: Checking the blood pressure is crucial in this situation to confirm if the patient is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia, which is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This step helps in assessing the severity of the condition and guiding subsequent interventions.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a bladder scan is important because a full bladder is a common trigger of autonomic dysreflexia. By identifying and addressing the cause of the distension, the nurse can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Choice C reason: Notifying the doctor is a critical step, as autonomic dysreflexia is a medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention. The healthcare provider can give additional orders and may administer medication to control the patient's blood pressure and relieve symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Contacting the health care provider is the most appropriate action because a change in the Doppler sound may indicate a potential complication, such as graft occlusion or compromised blood flow. Immediate assessment and intervention by the health care provider are essential to prevent further complications and ensure the patient's safety.
Choice B reason: Rechecking the pulse in another 30 minutes is not advisable in this situation because it could delay necessary medical intervention. Prompt communication with the health care provider is crucial to address the underlying issue and provide timely care.
Choice C reason: Measuring the ankle-brachial index can provide valuable information about blood flow in the lower extremities, but it is not the immediate priority when a significant change in the Doppler sound is detected. Contacting the health care provider for further assessment and instructions takes precedence.
Choice D reason: Administering an oral anticoagulant is not an appropriate action without the direct instruction from a health care provider. The nurse must first report the change in the Doppler sound to the provider and follow their specific orders regarding medication and treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the patient to try bearing weight on the injured ankle is not appropriate at this stage. Bearing weight can cause further injury or exacerbate the swelling and pain. The initial treatment should focus on reducing swelling and providing support.
Choice B reason: Elevating the ankle above heart level is appropriate because it helps to reduce swelling by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation in the affected area. Elevation is a standard first aid measure for managing acute injuries and swelling.
Choice C reason: Applying a warm moist pack to the ankle is not advisable immediately after an injury. In the acute phase, cold therapy (ice) is recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Warm therapy is more appropriate during the recovery phase, once swelling has subsided.
Choice D reason: Assessing the ankle's passive range of motion (ROM) may be necessary later, but not immediately upon arrival. The priority is to manage pain and swelling first. ROM assessments can be painful and might worsen the injury if conducted too soon.
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