ATI Pathophysiology Exam 1 Related

Review ATI Pathophysiology Exam 1 related questions and content

A client is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident in which she suffered a spinal cord injury at the level of C5. Which of the following assessments should be the priority?

  • A. Monitoring urinary output
  • B. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm
  • C. Monitoring respiratory rate
  • D. Monitoring the client's pain levels
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring heart rate and rhythm. With a C5 spinal cord injury, monitoring heart rate and rhythm is crucial as it can impact autonomic regulation. This level of injury can affect cardiac function due to the disruption of sympathetic nerve fibers. Monitoring urinary output may be important to assess for urinary retention, but it is not the priority in this scenario. While monitoring respiratory rate is essential in all patients, in this case, cardiovascular stability takes precedence. Pain management is important but is not the priority when assessing a client with a C5 spinal cord injury.