A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours following surgical repair of a penetrating brain injury. Which of the following assessments should be the nurse's priority?
Pain level assessment.
Wound site assessment.
Neurological assessment.
Respiratory status assessment.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While pain level assessment is important, it is not the priority immediately after a significant brain injury where neurological changes may occur.
B. Wound site assessment is also essential but does not take precedence over neurological assessment in this context.
C. A neurological assessment is the priority to identify any changes in the client's condition that may indicate complications such as increased intracranial pressure, which can occur after brain surgery.
D. Respiratory status assessment is important but is usually addressed through monitoring and interventions related to neurological function, as brain injuries can affect respiratory drive and function.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Lowering the client's legs is not effective in managing autonomic dysreflexia and may not alleviate the cause of the high blood pressure.
B. Checking for a full bladder is the priority because bladder distension is a common trigger for autonomic dysreflexia in clients with spinal cord injuries, and relieving it can reduce the severe hypertensive response.
C. Antihypertensives may be used if non-pharmacological measures fail, but addressing the cause is the first action.
D. Pain medication is not indicated as the immediate intervention for autonomic dysreflexia, as the priority is identifying and removing the trigger.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Quadriplegia, or tetraplegia, is typically associated with injuries at or above the C4 level, not T2-T3.
B. A T2-T3 spinal cord injury can lead to loss of sensation and motor function below the level of injury, affecting the thoracic region and lower body.
C. Hemiplegia, which refers to paralysis on one side of the body, is typically due to brain injuries or strokes, not spinal cord injuries.
D. While bladder control may be affected, the most direct impact of T2-T3 injury is the loss of sensation and motor function below that level.