A nurse is caring for a client who has quadriplegia due to a spinal cord injury and reports having a severe headache. The nurse obtains a blood pressure reading of 210/108 mm Hg and suspects the client is experiencing autonomic dysreflexia. What should the nurse prioritize as the initial action?
Lower the client's legs.
Check for a full bladder.
Administer a nitrate antihypertensive.
Administer pain medication.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serum thyroxine (T4) is typically decreased in primary hypothyroidism due to reduced thyroid hormone production.
B. In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient hormones, which leads to an increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as the pituitary gland tries to stimulate thyroid function. Elevated TSH is a common finding in primary hypothyroidism.
C. Serum T3 is usually decreased in primary hypothyroidism since the production of T3 and T4 is reduced.
D. Free T4 is typically low in primary hypothyroidism as the thyroid gland is underactive and not producing adequate levels of thyroid hormones.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While monitoring serum electrolytes is important, it is secondary to assessing for immediate life-threatening conditions.
B. Monitoring for signs of shock is the priority, as Addisonian crisis can lead to severe hypotension and shock, which requires immediate intervention.
C. Monitoring daily weights can help assess fluid status but is not critical in the context of an impending crisis.
D. Monitoring intake and output is important for overall assessment but does not directly address the immediate risks associated with Addisonian crisis.