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","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increased blood pressure is a common physiological response to pain. When a person experiences pain, the body's sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This response is part of the body's fight-or-flight mechanism, intended to help cope with the stressful situation.
Choice B reason: Increased respiratory rate is another sign of unrelieved pain. Pain can lead to rapid, shallow breathing as the body reacts to the discomfort. This response can help deliver more oxygen to tissues during times of stress but can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and fatigue if it continues over a prolonged period.
Choice C reason: Increased heart rate is a typical response to pain. Just like increased blood pressure, the heart rate rises as part of the body's sympathetic response to pain, which prepares the body to either confront or escape the source of pain. Monitoring heart rate can therefore provide critical information about the patient's pain levels and overall physiological state.
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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