Nokea
The nurse is monitoring a male client with a spinal cord injury who is experiencing spinal shock. Which findings indicate that the spinal shock is resolving?
- A. Flaccidity
- B. Presence of a gag reflex
- C. Positive Babinski's reflex
- D. Development of hyperreflexia
- E. Return of the bulbocavernous reflex
- F. Return of reflex emptying of the bladder
Correct Answer: C,D,E,F
Rationale: Spinal shock is associated with acute injury to the spinal cord with temporary suppression of reflexes controlled by segments below the level of injury. It may last for 1 to 6 weeks. Indications that spinal shock is resolving include return of reflexes, development of hyperreflexia rather than flaccidity, and return of reflex emptying of the bladder. The return of the bulbocavernous reflex in male clients is also an early indicator of recovery from spinal shock. Babinski's reflex (dorsiflexion of the great toe with fanning of the other toes when the sole of the foot is stroked) is an early returning reflex. The gag reflex is not lost in spinal shock; therefore, its presence is not an indication of resolving spinal shock.
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A client who had a laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer has started oral intake. The nurse determines that the first stage of dietary advancement has been tolerated when the client ingests which type of diet without aspirating or choking?
- A. Bland
- B. Full liquids
- C. Clear liquids
- D. Semisolid foods
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Oral intake after laryngectomy is started with semisolid foods. When the client can manage this type of food, liquids may be introduced. A bland diet is not appropriate. The client may not be able to tolerate the texture of some of the solid foods that would be included in a bland diet. Thin liquids are not given until the risk of aspiration is negligible.
The nurse assesses a client after abdominal surgery who has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place that is connected to suction. Which observation by the nurse indicates most reliably that the tube is functioning properly?
- A. The suction gauge reads low intermittent suction.
- B. The client indicates that pain is a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.
- C. The distal end of the NG tube is pinned to the client's gown.
- D. The client denies nausea and has 250 mL of fluid in the suction collection container.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An NG tube connected to suction is used postoperatively to decompress and rest the bowel. The gastrointestinal tract lacks peristaltic activity as a result of manipulation during surgery. The client should not experience symptoms of ileus (nausea and vomiting) if the tube is functioning properly. Although the nurse makes pertinent observations of the tube to ensure that it is secure and properly connected to suction, the client is assessed for the effect. A pain indicator of 3 is an expected finding in a postoperative client.
An older client is a victim of elder abuse. He and his family have been attending counseling sessions for the past month. Which statement, made by the abusive family member, would indicate an understanding of more positive coping skills?
- A. I will be more careful to make sure that my father's needs are 100 \% met.
- B. I am so sorry and embarrassed that the abusive event occurred. It won't happen again.
- C. I feel better equipped to care for my father now that I know where to turn if I need assistance.
- D. Now that my father is going to move into my home with me, I will have to stop drinking alcohol.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elder abuse is sometimes caused by family members who are being expected to care for their aging parents. This care can cause the family to become overextended, frustrated, or financially depleted. Knowing where to turn in the community for assistance with caring for an aging family member can bring much-needed relief. Using these alternatives is a positive coping skill for many families. The rest of the options are statements of good faith or promises, which may or may not be kept in the future.
The nurse is caring for a client who has returned from the postanesthesia care unit after prostatectomy. The client has a three-way Foley catheter with an infusion of continuous bladder irrigation (CBI). Which color description of the urinary drainage should lead the nurse to determine that the flow rate is adequate?
- A. Dark cherry
- B. Clear as water
- C. Pale yellow or slightly pink
- D. Concentrated yellow with small clots
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The infusion of bladder irrigant is not at a preset rate; rather, it is increased or decreased to maintain urine that is a clear, pale yellow color or has just a slight pink tinge. The infusion rate should be increased if the drainage is cherry colored or if clots are seen. Alternatively, the rate can be slowed down slightly if the returns are as clear as water.
A home care nurse visits a child with a diagnosis of celiac disease. Which finding best indicates that a gluten-free diet is being maintained and has been effective?
- A. The child is free of diarrhea.
- B. The child is free of bloody stools.
- C. The child tolerates dietary wheat and rye.
- D. A balanced fluid and electrolyte status is noted on the laboratory results.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Watery diarrhea is a frequent clinical manifestation of celiac disease. The absence of diarrhea indicates effective treatment. Bloody stools are not associated with this disease. The grains of wheat and rye contain gluten and are not allowed. A balance of fluids and electrolytes does not necessarily demonstrate the improved status of celiac disease.