Two months after an adolescent's thoracic spinal cord injury, he complains of a pounding headache. The nurse notes that the client's arms and face are flushed and he is diaphoretic. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Check the patency of the urinary catheter.
- B. Lower the adolescent's head below his knees.
- C. Place the adolescent flat on his back.
- D. Prepare to administer epinephrine subcutaneously.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: These symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia, often triggered by bladder distension; checking the catheter is the first step.
You may also like to solve these questions
After teaching the parents about the cause of ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), which of the following, if stated by the father, indicates successful teaching?
- A. It results from overexposure to the sun.
- B. It's caused by infestation with a mite.
- C. It's a fungal infection of the scalp.
- D. It's an allergic reaction.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tinea capitis is caused by a fungal infection, not mites, sun exposure, or allergies.
A 9-month-old infant with eczema has lesions that are secondarily infected. Which of the following is most appropriate to help the parents best meet the needs of the child?
- A. Preventing siblings from being in close contact.
- B. Sending the child to day care as usual.
- C. Playing video games for several hours each evening.
- D. Playing with the child every day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Playing with the child daily promotes emotional bonding and normal development, which is critical for a 9-month-old. Preventing sibling contact is unnecessary unless siblings are ill, day care may risk further infection, and video games are inappropriate for an infant.
The parent of a child with spastic cerebral palsy and a communication disorder tells the nurse, 'He seems so restless. I think he is in pain.' The nurse should:
- A. Assess the child for pain using the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale.
- B. Assess the child using the pediatric FACES scale.
- C. Administer the pain medication which is ordered to be given as needed and assess the response.
- D. Notify the primary care provider of the change in behavior.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The FLACC scale is appropriate for assessing pain in children with communication disorders, as it relies on observable behaviors rather than verbal reports.
The nurse is teaching the parents of a child with sickle cell disease. To instruct them on how to prevent sickle cell crisis, she should include which instruction?
- A. Restrict the child's fluid intake to less than 1 quart per day.
- B. Start up a 1½ quarts of fluids per day.
- C. Stay away from other teenagers.
- D. Avoid physical activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adequate hydration (1½ quarts daily) prevents blood viscosity, reducing the risk of sickle cell crisis. Other options are incorrect or overly restrictive.
A parent brings a 4-month-old to the clinic for a regular well visit and expresses concern that the infant is not developing appropriately. Which findings in the infant would indicate the need for further developmental screening?
- A. Has no interest in peek-a-boo games.
- B. Does not turn front to back.
- C. Does not babble.
- D. Continues to have head lag.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Head lag at 4 months suggests delayed motor development, requiring further evaluation.
Nokea