A client with spinal cord injury at the level of T3 complains of a sudden severe headache and nasal congestion. The nurse observes that the client has a flushed skin with goose bumps. Which of the ff actions should the nurse first take?
- A. Raise the client’s head
- B. Place the client on a firm mattress
- C. Call the physician
- D. Administer an analgesic to relieve the pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Call the physician. In this scenario, the sudden severe headache and nasal congestion along with flushed skin and goosebumps suggest autonomic dysreflexia, a medical emergency in spinal cord injury at or above T6. The nurse should immediately call the physician to address this potentially life-threatening situation. Raising the client's head (A) may worsen the condition, placing the client on a firm mattress (B) is not a priority, and administering an analgesic (D) without addressing the underlying cause could lead to further complications. The priority is to identify and address the cause of autonomic dysreflexia promptly.
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Why does emotional counselling or helping the client perform common daily activities become important nursing care interventions in clients with Parkinson’s or Huntington’s diseases, or even epilepsy?
- A. Because clients suffer from depression, anxiety, and inability to perform basic self care
- B. Because clients become paralytic throughout the body
- C. Because the clients bone become weak, brittle, and painful to even move
- D. Because clients generally become very aggressive and violent with other people CARING FOR CLIENTS WITH NEUROLOGIC DEFICITS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients with Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy often experience emotional challenges such as depression and anxiety due to the impact of their conditions on their daily lives. Emotional counseling helps address these issues. Additionally, these clients may struggle with basic self-care activities due to motor and cognitive deficits, making it crucial for nurses to assist them in performing daily tasks.
Choice B is incorrect as clients with these conditions may experience paralysis or motor impairments, but it is not a universal symptom. Choice C is incorrect because the question does not mention bone issues in Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, or epilepsy. Choice D is incorrect as aggression and violence are not common symptoms in clients with these neurologic deficits.
Mrs. Tan is scheduled to undergo percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Which of the following is the priority goal for her immediately after the procedure?
- A. prevent fluid volume deficit
- B. maintain blood pressure control
- C. decrease myocardial contractility
- D. minimize dyspnea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: maintain blood pressure control. After PTCA, the priority goal is to ensure stable hemodynamics. Maintaining blood pressure control is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or thrombosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because preventing fluid volume deficit, decreasing myocardial contractility, and minimizing dyspnea are not immediate priorities post-PTCA. Oxygenation and hemodynamic stability take precedence over these concerns.
Which statement by a nurse indicates a good understanding about the differences between data validation and data interpretation?
- A. “Data interpretation occurs before data validation.”
- B. “Validation involves looking for patterns in professional standards.”
- C. “Validation involves comparing data with other sources for accuracy.”
- D. “Data interpretation involves discovering patterns in professional standards.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because data validation involves comparing data with other sources to ensure accuracy. This step ensures that the data is reliable and error-free. Option A is incorrect as data validation typically comes after data collection and cleaning, which precede data interpretation. Option B is incorrect as validation does not specifically focus on professional standards but rather on accuracy and consistency. Option D is incorrect as data interpretation involves analyzing and deriving insights from the validated data, not looking for patterns in professional standards.
During a routine checkup, the nurse assesses a client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for signs and symptoms of cancer. What is the common AIDS-related cancer?
- A. Squamous cell carcinoma
- B. Leukemia
- C. Multiple myeloma
- D. Kaposi’s sarcoma
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Kaposi’s sarcoma. This is a common AIDS-related cancer caused by Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) in immunosuppressed individuals. It presents as purplish lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. Squamous cell carcinoma (A) is not specific to AIDS. Leukemia (B) and Multiple myeloma (C) are not commonly associated with AIDS. Kaposi’s sarcoma is the hallmark cancer seen in AIDS patients due to their weakened immune system.
A community nurse will perform chest physiotherapy for Mrs. Dy every 3 hours. It is important for the nurse to:
- A. slap the chest wall gently
- B. use vibration techniques to move secretions from affected lung areas during the inspiration phase
- C. perform CPT at least two hours after meals
- D. plan apical drainage at the beginning of the CPT session
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because performing chest physiotherapy (CPT) at least two hours after meals helps prevent aspiration during the procedure. This timing reduces the risk of vomiting or regurgitation of food during CPT, which could lead to aspiration pneumonia. Slapping the chest wall gently (A) may not effectively clear secretions. Using vibration techniques (B) is not typically recommended for routine CPT. Planning apical drainage at the beginning of the session (D) is not necessary as it is not a standard practice for CPT.