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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Upper GI bleeding is not a direct cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale). While severe GI bleeding can lead to other complications such as anemia or shock, it does not typically result in cor pulmonale.

Choice B reason: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a primary cause of cor pulmonale. COPD leads to chronic hypoxia, which increases pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension). The right ventricle of the heart must work harder to pump blood through these high-pressure arteries, eventually leading to right heart failure.

Choice C reason: Liver failure can lead to various systemic complications such as fluid imbalance and electrolyte disturbances, but it is not a direct cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale). Cor pulmonale is specifically related to pulmonary conditions that increase right ventricular workload.

Choice D reason: Renal failure, while serious and capable of causing cardiovascular complications due to fluid overload and hypertension, is not typically linked to the development of cor pulmonale. The primary cause of cor pulmonale is chronic lung disease like COPD, which directly affects the pulmonary vasculature.

A. NPH (Humulin N) B. Detemir (Levemir) C. Lispro (Humalog) D. Glargine (Lantus)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: NPH (Humulin N) is an intermediate-acting insulin that is used to control blood sugar levels throughout the day, not specifically for mealtime coverage. It is typically administered twice a day.

Choice B reason: Detemir (Levemir) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage. It helps maintain blood sugar levels stable over a 24-hour period and is not intended for controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Choice C reason: Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime coverage. It is designed to be taken just before or immediately after a meal to control the sudden rise in blood sugar levels that occurs after eating.

Choice D reason: Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that provides basal insulin coverage, helping to maintain steady blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It is not used for mealtime blood sugar control.

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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.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which disorder would the nurse recognize as the likely cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient with diabetes is starting on insulin therapy. Which type of insulin will the nurse discuss using for mealtime coverage?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with sickle cell disease has developed cellulitis above the left ankle. Which action is the nurse's priority for this patient?

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